NBA Update: Kyrie Irving plays down comparisons with LeBron James; shows respect instead
Kyrie Irving is the name on everybody’s lips in the city of Cleveland. The reason is that the Cleveland Cavaliers won the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and Kyrie Irving is the player, who is the odds-on favourite to
fill that slot. The prospect of having the talented player among their ranks is welcome respite for Cleveland Cavaliers fans, who endured the infamy of the second worst team in the NBA after their former hero LeBron James left before the season.
Irving declared for the draft after his freshman year at Duke and such is his talent, that the player is a favourite for the number one pick despite missing most of his college season. Irving suffered a toe injury that cut his
season short to just 11 games. However, in the games Irving did feature; he averaged 17.5 points per game at an impressive field goal percentage of 52.9. Irving also had 4.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game during that stretch.
The Cleveland Cavaliers fan base has already taken to the young point guard and he is being labelled the new messiah for the city. Although flattered, Irving has played down the talk of his comparisons with LeBron James. Irving
is a fundamentally different player to LeBron, who plays small forward and stands 6-foot-8. The 6-foot-2 Irving, who plays as a point guard knows the comparisons will continue anyway and said he would not let the hype faze him. Kyrie also added that he just
wants to get out there and do the best for his team,
"The comparisons will come regardless,'' said Irving."That's something I'm prepared for. As for right now, I just want to contribute to whatever team I go to.''
The team most likely to draft him certainly has a bone to pick with LeBron. The whole town views LeBron’s departure as a defection and the one time hero is now public enemy number 1. However Irving has nothing but respect for the
man who went out of his way to check on him during his injury period,
"He's definitely filling like a big brother role in my life, just giving me advice,'' Irving said. "When I was going through the three-month stretch when I was hurt he was talking to me every single week telling me to keep the
faith. That was really special to me to have someone in the NBA already giving me advice - what things to do and what not to do.''
If he will continue to tread the same line and become the new idol of Cleveland is yet to be seen. However, the youngster has shown exemplary professionalism and a humble demeanour so far.
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