What do you expect out of Kyrie Irving next season?

[Milbuck]

I think he's become pretty damn underrated on here, and understandably so. After an underwhelming season for both his team and himself, I think he's gonna come out strong next season.

I wouldn't be surprised if he took the next step as a point guard. Meaning, he plays more out of his vision rather than his scoring instincts, becomes a better leader/floor general, actually runs the offense at a high level, and matures as a defender. I wouldn't be surprised if he averaged something like 23/4/9/2 on 45/37/87 shooting.

What is required of him for his next season to be considered successful, and what do you think he'll actually do?

[JellyBean]

I am looking for him to have a healthy season and become more of a leader of the Cavs.

[MP.Trey]

Classic case of overrated to underrated. Honestly, statistically the only thing that I want to see change is his percentages which have been slipping since his rookie year and maybe an extra assist or so. His main strength is as a scorer so I don't have a problem with him being a non-traditional PG like some others do.

Last year he had career highs in games/minutes played, assists, assists/TO ratio, all of this while taking slightly less shots in slightly more minutes. His willingness to get others involved early was noted last year and it seemed Kyrie got lost in the offense at times, if he didn't get it going early, he never got it going all game.

If he increased his percentages a bit, created one more basket for a teammate per game and moves to 22-23/4/7 statistically while going back to his killer instinctive ways he had his rookie year (He was NOT deserving of the tag "Mr. Fourth Quarter" last year), as well as improving his effort on defense (not everyone is great defensively, but the effort needs to consistently be there). That would make me more than happy considering the fact we're bringing in even more talent around him this year.

[Keno]

another lottery pick season.

[All Net]

A top season

Having a legit big in there will help even if he is abit raw for now.

[Milbuck]

Classic case of overrated to underrated. Honestly, statistically the only thing that I want to see change is his percentages which have been slipping since his rookie year and maybe an extra assist or so. His main strength is as a scorer so I don't have a problem with him being a non-traditional PG like some others do.

Last year he had career highs in games/minutes played, assists, assists/TO ratio, all of this while taking slightly less shots in slightly more minutes. His willingness to get others involved early was noted last year and it seemed Kyrie got lost in the offense at times, if he didn't get it going early, he never got it going all game.

If he increased his percentages a bit, created one more basket for a teammate per game and moves to 22-23/4/7 statistically while going back to his killer instinctive ways he had his rookie year (He was NOT deserving of the tag "Mr. Fourth Quarter" last year), as well as improving his effort on defense (not everyone is great defensively, but the effort needs to consistently be there). That would make me more than happy considering the fact we're bringing in even more talent around him this year.
This is my biggest concern with him. Some point guards are just naturally gifted with being able to find the perfect balance between getting others involved and getting themselves going. Chris Paul is a master at it, although he has his moments of slipping up. Kyrie is already a pretty polished scorer for his age, and his passing/playmaking efficiency is improving constantly. All he needs now to balance the two is some consistent play from himself and his teammates. This means having a defined rotation with defined roles for everyone, and obviously, good health. If all goes well I think he could take the next step as a complete PG.

All I want is to see him explode in the playoffs the way Curry did last season.

A top season

Having a legit big in there will help even if he is abit raw for now.
This is all health permitting - for Embiid - but yeah, having a clear 2-way presence in the paint will help for sure. Waiters improving will also help take some pressure off. But mostly they need someone like Deng. He's almost surely gone, so they need to find another glue guy who can do it all at a good level.

[All Net]

This is my biggest concern with him. Some point guards are just naturally gifted with being able to find the perfect balance between getting others involved and getting themselves going. Chris Paul is a master at it, although he has his moments of slipping up. Kyrie is already a pretty polished scorer for his age, and his passing/playmaking efficiency is improving constantly. All he needs now to balance the two is some consistent play from himself and his teammates. This means having a defined rotation with defined roles for everyone, and obviously, good health. If all goes well I think he could take the next step as a complete PG.

All I want is to see him explode in the playoffs the way Curry did last season.

This is all health permitting - for Embiid - but yeah, having a clear 2-way presence in the paint will help for sure. Waiters improving will also help take some pressure off. But mostly they need someone like Deng. He's almost surely gone, so they need to find another glue guy who can do it all at a good level.

Ariza could be a nice cheaper option.

I'm very high on Embiid and I think he can help them right away but mainly defensively first. This Cavs team has alot of very talented young players that just need to keep developing. In the east they should fancy their chances of making the playoffs next year.

[aj1987]

Unless he improves his defense, he's not going to be an elite player. He was on Harden's level defensively. Even worse in a bunch of games.

[navy]

Unless he improves his defense, he's not going to be an elite player. He was on Harden's level defensively. Even worse in a bunch of games.
No, he was definitely better than Harden. Which doesnt mean much. I think having to play defense last year hurt his stamina for offense. We shall see if he can adjust.

[Smook A.]

I expect him to have a big season. You can already tell the dude puts in work. A lot of people here don't give him credit for the stuff he's doing at such a young age. Since entering the league in 2011, he's averaging 21 ppg, 6 apg and 4 rpg for his career. Not to mention, his career FG% is 45%. That's definitely impressive. The only problem with him is that he turns the ball over a lot. And his defense is below-average.

I think we see a Kyrie that turns the ball over less, starts playing atleast decent defense and becomes more of a playmaker next season. I see him averaging 24 ppg/7 apg and I see him leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the playoffs for the first time since LeBron James left.

[MP.Trey]

Unless he improves his defense, he's not going to be an elite player. He was on Harden's level defensively. Even worse in a bunch of games.
That's harsh. Did you even watch a "bunch" of Cavs games this year? He was on Harden's level last year, but this year his defensive effort has been sporadic at best but still way better than before. He plays the passing lanes well and has solid lateral quickness. Just doesn't use it well enough most of the time.

[KrizMiz]

Champion or bust!

[Meticode]

Not sure what to expect. He'll be playing under his third coach in three seasons. He went from a coach who didn't care about defense to a coach that cared only about defense to what now?

[aj1987]

No, he was definitely better than Harden. Which doesnt mean much. I think having to play defense last year hurt his stamina for offense. We shall see if he can adjust.



That's harsh. Did you even watch a "bunch" of Cavs games this year? He was on Harden's level last year, but this year his defensive effort has been sporadic at best but still way better than before. He plays the passing lanes well and has solid lateral quickness. Just doesn't use it well enough most of the time.
In other words, he's a shitty defender. Yeah, I've probably watched like 15 -20 Cav's games this season. As I said, he can't be an elite player till he's able to play both sides of the court.

The Haren comparison might be a bit harsh, but dude is not a good defender. I hope he also improves his efficiency.

[NuggetsFan]

23/4/9/2 on 45/37/87 shooting.


I don't see Irving dropping 9 dimes a game next season. Nobody besides Chris Paul actually hit 9 assists per game this season. Marshall, John Wall, Lawson were all at 8.8 so 9 if you round up and all much better at moving the ball than Irving.

I mean I don't think Irving has even averaged 9 assists for a month during a season, let alone doing it for an entire season. Has 12 double double's in 181 games. Not to nitpick, but I don't even see him averaging 8 a game.

I think what kinda season Irving has next season depends on the team. He's a really polished scorer, capable of being a big time scorer. If Cleveland finally breaks out I wouldn't expect much statistical improvement but just continued development/less mistakes/better defense etc. If Cleveland still stays in the gutter and continues to really lean on him than I think he could average 25 a night.

I'm not a Cavs fan but it seems like Cleveland is going to have a bunch of young talent and as they get better so will there record and that means Irving might not need to go out there and do everything. I'd say getting back to his earlier efficiency, cutting down on turnovers, actually playing D should be his first priorities.

[Rubio2Gasol]

There are quite a few contingencies, but I expect him to give the ball to Waiters a bit more and focus on getting his shots in other ways. He's top five at creating his own shot, but once they picked Waiters it meant he had to learn to play without the ball, which has hurt him somewhat. With Embiid, there's going to be more of that. If the Big Baby 2.0 comes good, even more.


More jumpers, out of neccesity. If they cycle play through the post it inverts the basic design of the team, he'll get the ball later in the clock and have to space the floor. I don't really see a significant increase in anything other than assists, and I think the design of the team is going to hurt him late in games, but I do expect significant improvement.

[Milbuck]

I don't see Irving dropping 9 dimes a game next season. Nobody besides Chris Paul actually hit 9 assists per game this season. Marshall, John Wall, Lawson were all at 8.8 so 9 if you round up and all much better at moving the ball than Irving.

I mean I don't think Irving has even averaged 9 assists for a month during a season, let alone doing it for an entire season. Has 12 double double's in 181 games. Not to nitpick, but I don't even see him averaging 8 a game.

I think what kinda season Irving has next season depends on the team. He's a really polished scorer, capable of being a big time scorer. If Cleveland finally breaks out I wouldn't expect much statistical improvement but just continued development/less mistakes/better defense etc. If Cleveland still stays in the gutter and continues to really lean on him than I think he could average 25 a night.

I'm not a Cavs fan but it seems like Cleveland is going to have a bunch of young talent and as they get better so will there record and that means Irving might not need to go out there and do everything. I'd say getting back to his earlier efficiency, cutting down on turnovers, actually playing D should be his first priorities.
Those were just flat, rounded numbers, but 8.5-9 apg isn't that implausible. Ty Lawson and Kendall Marshall averaged around 9 apg this past season. Kyrie had a 20 game, 1 1/2 month stretch of averaging 7 assists a game. 1.5-2 assists per game more sounds like a lot, but it's not as big a jump as you'd think. Jeff Teague bumped his assists up from 4.9 a game to 7.2 a game from 2011-12 to 2012-13. It's all a matter of development, and the talent around you. I think the Cavs will have good talent around Kyrie next season.

Waiters is going to be pretty good. Embiid should be a stud right out of the gates if he's healthy. With guys like TT and Hawes, and shooters like JJack and Miles, there's a decent amount of offensive weapons there. I think they also have a lot of cap space to sign some good players. They could be 8-9 deep with good players by the start of the season.

The coach will be the key part though. If they get a coach with a respectable offensive system, Kyrie can definitely use his developing playmaking ability more effectively and rack up the assists.

[dubeta]

Doesnt matter same old same old, 20/6/4 and takes his team to the lottery

Stephon Marbury 2.0

[IncarceratedBob]

He's got an elite first step, a second to none jumper and a court vision we haven't seen since Magic. He's obviously in a horrible situation and has never been able to get comfortable in a single system. I say once he is traded he will breakout... 27/9/4 on 48/36/87

[lilgodfather1]

With LeBron playing beside him U want to see him in double digits assists, and 50% or higher fg%.

[Clyde]

I expect a reason to validate his next contract....which will be huge.

I assume he will get more than John Wall, though I dont think he's worth it.

[ihatetimthomas]

I expect a reason to validate his next contract....which will be huge.

I assume he will get more than John Wall, though I dont think he's worth it.

More than 80 million?

[D-Rose]

I just want him to play an entire season without injury.

[Inferno]

If Kyrie and Embiid develop a nice PNR game :applause:

[hawksdogsbraves]

He's got an elite first step, a second to none jumper and a court vision we haven't seen since Magic. He's obviously in a horrible situation and has never been able to get comfortable in a single system. I say once he is traded he will breakout... 27/9/4 on 48/36/87

I like Irving and think he'll do well next year but that... that's just not true. Irving has great handles, is and elite shooter, and is one of the best finishers around the rim of any guard, but his court vision isn't super elite.

I think he'll put up something like 24/7/3, All-Star stats but he's not going to give you 10 apg, certainly not with this team right now.

He's another elite PG, the question though is can you win on the biggest of stages with your best player being a PG?

[qrich]

I keep hiring how Irving is the best point guard in the game, so I'm going to be expecting a ton out of Kyrie to live up to anywhere near that hype.

Probably see him average around 23/3/7 on 45/36 shooting with 3 giveaways.

[GimmeThat]

I think he has been stellar, especially considering his age.

His game probably won't be affected much until he gets older/stronger
I think if the Cavs draft Embiid, and have him focus on being a defensive big first and let his offensive game slowly come to him. The Cavs record would implode.

I think if you ask more of him either offensively or defensively, his efficiency goes down. Because I think he'd paced himself quite well through the regular season. Which also means don't be surprised if his efficiency changes when he does make it into the playoff having to go full out every single game.

[Beastmode88]

Nothing. He's a cancer. I like his Uncle Drew videos tho. :applause:

[NuggetsFan]

Those were just flat, rounded numbers, but 8.5-9 apg isn't that implausible. Ty Lawson and Kendall Marshall averaged around 9 apg this past season. Kyrie had a 20 game, 1 1/2 month stretch of averaging 7 assists a game. 1.5-2 assists per game more sounds like a lot, but it's not as big a jump as you'd think. Jeff Teague bumped his assists up from 4.9 a game to 7.2 a game from 2011-12 to 2012-13. It's all a matter of development, and the talent around you. I think the Cavs will have good talent around Kyrie next season.

Waiters is going to be pretty good. Embiid should be a stud right out of the gates if he's healthy. With guys like TT and Hawes, and shooters like JJack and Miles, there's a decent amount of offensive weapons there. I think they also have a lot of cap space to sign some good players. They could be 8-9 deep with good players by the start of the season.

The coach will be the key part though. If they get a coach with a respectable offensive system, Kyrie can definitely use his developing playmaking ability more effectively and rack up the assists.

Marshall is one of the best playmaking prospects we've seen. It's the only reason he's in the NBA. Lawson dominated the ball more than he ever has had the chance too in his career and is a better passer. Teague is a good call but I mean he averaged a little over 7 dimes a game and than dropped back under this season. I mean Kyrie averaging 7 assists is doable but it's a far cry away from 9 or 8.5.

Waiters is going to be pretty good, but that kinda takes the ball out of Kyrie's hands and as Waiters gets better it'll mean less for Kyrie or a more healthy balance, depending on how good Waiters is obviously. Won't be a guy Kyrie is setting up consistently. Cavs are going to improve but I just don't see Irving as a guy who finishes top 5 in the league in assists per game where 8.5 or higher usually puts you. I mean since '08 the list looks like..

Kidd, Calderon, Rondo, Nash, CP3, Williams, LeBron, Vasquez, Marshall, Wall, Lawson, Curry, Rubio.

And a few guys like Felton who came really close to the 8.5 mark. Kidd, Rondo, Paul, Nash, Rubio, Marshall, Williams are pure run the offense PG's. LeBron has ridiculous court vision. John Wall has one season under 8 a game. Curry is probably your best comparison but taking numbers out of the comparison he's just a flat out better playmaker. Lawson averaged 6.6 & 6.9 playing with Andre Miller/Felton etc. and finally got the keys to the offense. Vasquez got the most minutes of his career and probably never touches that number again, only guy who doesn't belong.

I'm bored and realize you probably just mean Irving will grab more dimes but 8.5-9apg is too much. Nitpicking statistics at it's finest :oldlol: but 20/7 and 20/9 puts you in different company

[Cali Syndicate]

Unless he improves his defense, he's not going to be an elite player. He was on Harden's level defensively. Even worse in a bunch of games.

Nah, irving isn't nearly as bad. Dude just gets tired. Harden gets lost and zones out. Big difference. Irving needs to improve his endurance more than anything. He's as skilled as any pg in the league.

Seriously, get irving some help and watch everyone jump right back on the uncle drew bandwagon like it was nothing.

[The_Yearning]

No playoffs.

[NZStreetBaller]

I see him making the playoffs IF lecramp comes back to cleveland

[AirFederer]

A lot of TO's, high volume scoring in the low forties and a couple of funny uncle Drew ads :cheers:

[bdreason]

Stay healthy. Make the playoffs.

[Warfan]

Needs to improve his floor game and defense. Stay healthy and lead the cavs to the playoffs (if they don't :facepalm)

[andremiller07]

If Cleveland does draft Emiid than the Cavs guards who are dreadful at feeding the big man down low all need to do a better job at learning entry passes and actually expanding there vision. The time Bynum was there they would miss him wide open religiously.

Hopefully he improves his playmaking and get's better feeding the post.

[DukeDelonte13]

If Cleveland does draft Emiid than the Cavs guards who are dreadful at feeding the big man down low all need to do a better job at learning entry passes and actually expanding there vision. The time Bynum was there they would miss him wide open religiously.

Hopefully he improves his playmaking and get's better feeding the post.


bynum was always behind and demanded the ball, the team never practiced with him because of his injury situation so they never actually worked with him.

Bynum couldn't jump or finish, and teams smoked us in the transition game when he was out there. The dude was pretty immobile.

Embiid is not going to be the same player as damaged-goods bynum.

[DukeDelonte13]

but to OP....

I expect Kyrie to start acting like a man rather than a little pouty baby. Only then will he take his game to the next level.

[All Net]

but to OP....

I expect Kyrie to start acting like a man rather than a little pouty baby. Only then will he take his game to the next level.
Wins will help bring in better attuide no doubt.

[IncarceratedBob]

but to OP....

I expect Kyrie to start acting like a man rather than a little pouty baby. Only then will he take his game to the next level.
Smh this is no way to treat your star player, imagine if he read this? Pathetic fan.