NBA Playoffs: How can the Indiana Pacers defeat the Heat? Poll

Source: Cleveland.com by Starting Blocks

The Indiana Pacers have the momentum going into tonight's game against the Miami Heat.

Cleveland Cavaliers: How Much Can Tristan Thompson Improve This Offseason?

Source: Bleacher Report

In the 2011 NBA Draft, the Cavaliers shocked much of the basketball world by selecting Tristan Thompson with the fourth overall pick.

Thompson was a great defender and rebounder as a Texas Longhorn. His long 6'9" frame, even wider wingspan, great leaping ability and a motor that never seemed to quit were the primary characteristics that attracted the Cavaliers to the young forward.

Since coming to the league and gaining substantial experience at the professional level, Thompson has shown flashes of talent that somewhat validated his high selection in the draft, but will those flashes ever evolve into a consistent all-around game?

It's obviously hard to predict exactly what kind of player Thompson can be with just one season under his belt, but it appears the power forward will require a good deal of improvement if he wants to justify the Cavs taking him with one of the top five picks in last year's draft.

Let's start off with some of the bad in Thompson's game.

Thompson shot about 44 percent from the field last season, which might sound good initially, but from a player who scores the vast majority of his points down low, 44 percent just isn't going to cut it.

Offensively, Thompson showed that his athleticism could get him by and above defenders down low, but his finishing ability needs some major work. He could also use a few more pounds of bulk in order to size up well against other big men. The potential is certainly there, though.

Jump shooting was almost nonexistent from Thompson, and it would be nice to see him at least develop a low-post bank shot of some sort.

Defensively, Thompson is a solid shot-blocker due to his long reach and leaping ability, yet his slender frame works against him when it comes to being physical against other power forwards and centers.

There are some definite positives in Thompson's game, too.

His high energy level will always work in his favor, and that energy was the perfect complement to the already endless motor of Anderson Varejao. Thompson and Varejao could make one of the best offensive rebounding duos in the league, as nearly half of Thompson's 6.5 rebounds per game were from the offensive glass.

Thompson was also great at pulling off some highlight-reel dunks off of offensive rebounds on several occasions, which at the very least fires the crowd up.

The fact that he increased his rebound and point averages through nearly every month of the season (including 10 points and seven rebounds a game in March) was definitely an indicator that the rookie big man was beginning to get the hang of things near the end of the season.

Thompson's potential is apparent, but so is the fact that he'll undergo some serious training in this year's offseason. 

Ideally, Thompson will continue to improve while coming off the bench, and will eventually be able to become the athletic, skilled power forward that the Cavaliers' organization envisioned would be a great complement to fellow rookie Kyrie Irving.

Read more Cleveland Cavaliers news on BleacherReport.com

Episode 0006 – PLAYOFFS! DON’T TALK ABOUT PLAYOFFS!

Source: Cavs: The Blog by Mallory Factor II

Weeeee’re back!  With another podcast for your listening pleasure.  John, Kevin, Colin, and I give our opinions on Kyrie’s ROY win, the playoffs, and some of your questions.  I’ve pretty much given up on all other sites for now, so you can find us at:

http://soundcloud.com/cavstheblog/0006-playoffs-dont-talk-about

We ARE on iTunes, but apparently there’s an issue so I’m resubmitting the link to Apple.  I’ll update you guys with the details once it’s finalized.  Thanks to Ryan for the great podcast logo, too!!!!

Enjoy!

NBA mock draft links: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Andre Drummond and Bradley Beal among popular first picks for Cleveland Cavaliers

Source: Cleveland.com by Starting Blocks

Cavs will own one of the first few picks -- which one to be determined by the draft lottery -- and the 24th, 33rd and 34th overall picks.

Coaches, owners have new voice in suggesting changes (AFP)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Rick Carlisle, coach of the reigning champion Dallas Mavericks, and Dan Gilbert, the club owner spurned by LeBron James, are among 10 people named on Wednesday to the NBA's new competition committee.

Recap Of Kia Performance Awards

Source: Right Down Euclid by Zachary Kolesar

With Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving being named Rookie of the Year on Monday and accepting the award in Cleveland on Tuesday, the annual Kia Performance Awards have now all officially been handed out. Categories including Most Valuable … [visit site to read more]

Recap Of Kia Performance Awards - Right Down Euclid - Right Down Euclid - A Cleveland Cavaliers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert named to NBA's new competition committee

Source: Cleveland.com by Mary Schmitt Boyer, The Plain Dealer

The 10-member committee can recommend rules changes and will discuss other competition-related subjects.

Cavs have been lucky to have great point guards through the years - Comment of the Day

Source: Cleveland.com by cleveland.com

"We've been blessed with strong PG play in Cleveland. Especially when you throw in the guys that had brief stays with Cavs such as Walt Frazier, KJ, and Andre Miller. Could you have imagined KJ and Mark Price in the same backcourt!? Wow!" - Meshugina

Should Browns upgrade defensive line with veterans, Derek Lowe on fire and Kyrie Irving's best to come : Blog Roundup

Source: Cleveland.com by Glenn Moore, cleveland.com

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians. Featured today are Stepien Rules, Dawgs By Nature and Waiting For Next Year.

Kyrie Irving, the Rookie of the Year, and confirming a new reason for hope

Source: Cleveland.com by Brendan Bowers, StepienRules.com

Kyrie Irving's ROY Award is giving Cavaliers fans reason to believe all over again, much sooner than anyone could've ever thought possible way back in July of 2010.

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert selected to serve on NBA's reconstructed Competition Committee

Source: Ohio.com

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, who made headlines earlier this season with a spicy e-mail to NBA Commissioner David Stern over a proposed trade, has been named to the league's reconstructed Competition Committee.

The league's Board of Governors voted last month to construct the Competition Committee with two owners, four general managers, three head coaches and one player. Previously, the committee consisted of all 30 general managers, but that has been renamed the General Managers Commitee.

Gilbert is joined by Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob, Toronto Raptors general managers Bryan Colangelo, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor, Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti, Dallas Mavericks coache Rick Carlisle, Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins and Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers. The players association will designate one of its members to serve on the committee.

"The Board decided that the inclusion of owners and head coaches on the Competition Committee would add valuable perspectives to discussions about our game and how it might be improved,” Joel Litvin, the NBA's president of league operations said in an e-mail. "At the same time, we will continue to receive input on competition and rules matters from all 30 teams through the General Managers Committee."

The purpose of the committee remains the same. If the Competition Committee votes in favor of changing a playing rule or any other competition-related matter, the recommendation will be brought to the Board of Governors for its consideration and vote. The Committee will meet on a regular basis and its first meeting will take place during the NBA Finals.

The new General Managers Committee will meet annually to discuss the state of the game and various competition matters.

Gilbert created a controversy when his e-mail to Stern protesting a proposed trade that would send Chris Paul to the Lakers was leaked to Yahoo! Sports. Stern ultimately squashed the trade, and now GIlbert and Kupchak will be working side by side.

Cavs owner Gilbert named to NBA's new competition committee

Source: Cleveland.com by Mary Schmitt Boyer, The Plain Dealer

Cavaliers owner Dan GIlbert is one of two owners named to the NBA's new competition committee, the league announced on Wednesday

Season in Review: Alonzo Gee

Source: NBA.com

In the first installment of the Cavaliers Season in Review, we take a look back at Alonzo Gee's second season with the Wine and Gold. The high-flyer from Alabama made big strides after an offseason overseas.

Podcasting Tonight! Ask us a question!

Source: Cavs: The Blog by Mallory Factor II

You probably all know the drill – we’re podcasting tonight and are taking one reader question.  In the comments section post your questions and we’ll pick the best one.  If you have a draft question save it for the next podcast, when we’ll have a nice long conversation about who the Cavs might select.

Extra props for the funniest/best question regarding the Cavs or the NBA in general.

On Kyrie's ROY presentation, Byron Scott, his new Kia, and the final voting

Source: Cavs Blog

There isn't one word I could use to adequately describe the vibe I felt floating around inside Cleveland Clinic Courts on Tuesday. If I was forced to choose one however, while ensconced in a headlock, I'd pick from a list that included the following: refreshing, surreal, proud, exciting, youthful, celebratory, hopeful and cool. Any thoughts or feelings along the lines of defiance, revenge, or redemption, in the event you were wondering, wouldn't be applicable. It was a positive day of forward progress to be sure, for an organization with no reason now to look back. 


In accepting his award, Kyrie's comments were gracious, introspective, and funny. He talked about that game in Indiana, his third ever as an NBA player, when he missed his first game winning shot attempt as a professional basketball player. The decision that Byron Scott made that night, to put the ball in his nineteen year-old rookie's hands, was pivotal for his development this season he said. On that last possession against the Pacers, Byron called a high pick and roll for Irving, and Kyrie said he was surprised by the call initially. The confidence Scott showed in him at that moment though, would go on to give Irving confidence moving forward. He said it was that night, in fact, even as his lay-up rimmed out, when he first knew for certain he could compete on this level with anybody. As the season wore on, he'd do specifically that.

After missing that game winning shot, Byron Scott would go back to him again, and again, and again from there. He'd hit monster shots against the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, as well as others. His legend quickly grew in the process, and The Kyrie Irving Era would soon become synonymous with clutch performances. Kyrie spoke directly to that personal trend of thriving in the fourth quarter on Tuesday too. The now twenty year-old Rookie of the Year said, "the fourth quarter is no different than the first quarter for me. I love that moment at the end of the game, I cherish that moment". For that, Cavs fans have grown to cherish him. The same fans he thanked in his opening remarks by saying, "I'd like to thank the city of Cleveland, this award is for you guys." An award his new city will gladly celebrate with him.


Byron and his Point Guard: Byron Scott's relationship with Kyrie Irving was on display yesterday too. Irving spoke glowingly, playfully, and respectfully about Byron all at the same time. I'm sometimes critical of Scott too. I think he's the guy for this job to be sure, but I've pointed out things he's done that I haven't agreed with in the past as well. His over-reliance on Anthony Parker was frustrating at times this season, playing Ryan Hollins when he did was too, and I also think he skated accountability for a record-setting losing streak he helped set two seasons ago also. At the same time though, there is no denying the importance of his relationship with Kyrie Irving now. He worked to develop a similar one with Chris Paul before Irving too. Both Point Guards love Scott, both guys flourished under him, and now both guys went on to win the NBA's Rookie of the Year under his tutelage. Kyrie called Byron old during his presser, he called him bald too, but he also said he wouldn't have won this award with Scott as his Coach. Whether that's true or not, Byron certainly had a major hand in making this happen, and that's encouraging moving forward. 

Kyrie's giving the Kia to his old AAU Coach: Kyrie won a Kia SUV along with the trophy he received for winning Rookie of the Year. He said he's giving the Kia to his AAU coach from New Jersey, and recalled driving around to games back in the day in his coach's jam-packed mini-van with five of his friends and teammates. It's a nice gesture for Kyrie to make too, even if there's no way he actually would drive around in a Kia at this point in his financial life. Somebody on Twitter tweeted at me to say that "somehow the NCAA will use this to vacate Duke's wins from his year there" as a result. They won't do that, at least I don't think they would, but the thought is funny.

The way the ROY Voting shook out: The final tallies in the Rookie of the Year voting were relatively humours. I think the votes that sportswriters cast for this award should be made public, and each writer should have to offer his reasons for taking the position he or she did in making their vote, but instead it remains anonymous. So we don't know who voted Kenneth Faried, Kwahi Leonard, or Iman Shumpet number one overall, but somebody did. If any other player deserved a 1st place vote, in my opinon, it was Ricky Rubio. I don't think he should've gotten one, but I'd hear the argument that if Rubio doesn't get hurt, keeps playing like he was playing, blah, blah, blah from there, that's why I voted him first. But while Rubio finished second, he didn't get any first place votes at all. Faried, Leonard, and Shumpert did though, over Irving. Josh Selby got a third place vote also, and he spent time in the D-League this season. Isaiah Thomas finished 7th and he should've finished 5th at worst, probably even 4th, or maybe even higher I think. That's a topic for another day however. 

Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving accepts Rookie of the Year award with emotional speech

Source: Ohio.com

INDEPENDENCE: Kyrie Irving had three months to write his acceptance speech. Just like his performance on the court, he nailed it.

Irving accepted his Rookie of the Year award Tuesday with an acceptance speech that had comedy bits and was full of emotion. He thanked the Cavaliers’ fans and organization, poked fun at coach Byron Scott, thanked his father, Dred, for raising him and paid tribute to his mother, Elizabeth, who died when he was a child.

“I know she’s looking down on me and I wish she was here to accept this award with me,” Irving said. “She’s not sitting in that seat, but I know she’s right here in my heart and throughout the season, I know she was with me. She’s going to continue to bless me. I pray to her every single day.”

Irving’s performance on the court removed all suspense — he had the award locked up by the All-Star break. The only question was whether or not he would become the fourth unanimous choice, but he received only 117 of a possible 120 first-place votes. The Denver Nuggets’ Kenneth Faried, the San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard and the New York Knicks’ Iman Shumpert each received one first-place vote.

Irving joins LeBron James as the only Cavs players to ever win the rookie award. His total of 592 points more than tripled his next closest competitor. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio, who missed half the season with a knee injury, was second with 170 points.

Irving handled himself with poise and grace throughout a lockout-shortened season that prevented him from joining the organization last summer and enjoying the type of jump-start most rookies receive entering the league.

Still, he led all rookies (and the Cavaliers) by averaging 18.5 points per game. His 5.4 assists ranked second among rookies. Despite his youth, Irving quickly earned the reputation as a fourth-quarter closer. Scott went to him in the third game of the season, when the Cavs were tied at the Indiana Pacers and needed a basket at the buzzer to win the game.

Even Irving was surprised he got the call so early in his career — he missed the shot and the Cavaliers lost the game in overtime. But Irving on Tuesday called that night one of the defining moments of his season.

“Just him having that confidence in me was a stepping stone,” Irving said. “Whether I missed it or even if I made it, it was a learning experience and I needed it.”

Scott concedes now he had no idea how Irving would react to the pressure moment, but figured that was a great opportunity to find out.

“What I wanted to find out was where his heart was, what type of player he was going to be,” Scott said. “I thought that situation was going to let me know a lot about the type of guy he could be at the end of the season.”

Irving went on to make his share of huge fourth-quarter shots, including the game winner a few weeks later at Boston while his father had a courtside view. Dred was courtside again at Cleveland Clinic Courts, the Cavs’ practice facility, while Irving accepted the award. He praised his father for raising he and his older sister, Asia, and for teaching him so much about the game of basketball.

“I’m overwhelmingly proud of him,” Dred said. “I thought the sky was the limit for Kyrie from Day One. Myself, his AAU coaches, Coach K [Mike Krzyzewski] and the coaching staff at Duke brought out the confidence to believe in himself. That was an integral part in his growth.”

Irving looked at his father and told him to take the award back to their home in New Jersey.

“This award is for us and we’re bringing it back home and we’re going to put it right on the mantel and we’re going to put some flashing lights on it so it shines throughout the whole entire house,” Irving said. “You told me anything was possible and I’m living my dream. Without you, I don’t know where I’d be. You’re my worst critic but my biggest fan — always. I love you, man.”

Jason Lloyd can be reached at jlloyd@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Cavs blog at http://www.ohio.com/cavs. Follow him on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/JasonLloydABJ. Follow ABJ sports on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sports.abj.

Cavaliers owner seeks All-Star Game for Cleveland

Source: Ohio.com

CLEVELAND: Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert wants to bring the NBA All-Star Game back to Cleveland.

Gilbert, who opened his new downtown casino Monday, said he plans to approach the league about hosting a future All-Star weekend. He hopes Cleveland would be able to get one “in the next few years.” The city last hosted the midseason event in 1997, when the league celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Gilbert said Cleveland is again poised to hold such an event because of his casino as well as a downtown convention center under construction.

Houston is hosting next year’s game, and New Orleans will have it in 2014 after also hosting in 2008. Gilbert noted that before the game was held in Orlando this year it was in a Western Conference city for eight consecutive years.

— Associated Press

What they were saying about Cavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving

Source: Ohio.com

KYRIE IRVING

On playing with Cavaliers: “I just get to be myself. That’s what is so special here. I came in as a 19-year-old kid and I got to just be myself all the time and they just accepted me, whether it was me telling jokes in the trainer’s room or me out here giving it my all at practice every single day or just me being in the locker room with the guys, that’s something special to me. I love my teammates.”

On winning Rookie of the Year: “Coming into the season, [winning Rookie of the Year] was a goal of mine. I kept it on the back burner. I knew as long as we won games and we beat great teams that it was going to come.”

On his father, Dred Irving, and coach Byron Scott: “They are similar. First of all, they’re bald and they wear nice suits, nice shoes and nice socks. Whenever coach Scott gets mad, you just see the rolls [on his forehead] and you see him just yelling and my dad does the same thing. He’s been doing it since I was a kid. You know not to mess with him when the rolls come up on his face. When you look at them, there’s so much passion, so much drive that they have you always wanting to go out there and fight for them. You always want to give them your best.”

On being clutch: “The fourth quarter is no different than the first quarter. It’s just a lot more pressure, but I don’t feel it at all. … I love that moment. I cherish that moment. At times, I catch myself really not even realizing that I’m in the game in the fourth quarter.”

———

COACH BYRON SCOTT

“I wouldn’t come out and say it like I did in New Orleans when I said Chris Paul would be Rookie of the Year. I really wanted to say that, but I said, ‘I’m not going to put that kind of pressure on this young man who has only played 11 college basketball games and has come in with a toe that we really have to monitor. I really felt after watching him work out that he was going to be the clear-cut Rookie of the Year.”

———

GENERAL MANAGER CHRIS GRANT

“To Dred, what an outstanding job you did with your son. Congratulations to you also. Well done.”

“Obviously his on-court ability dazzled everyone. But what he was made of off the court, from a character standpoint, from a work ethic, from a grit, from his willingness to overcome adversity, his toughness and his vision that really got us excited. One of his biggest attributes, you can ask all of his teammates, he’s willing to give up a little bit of himself for the greater good of the team. That’s truly what makes great leaders. That’s what makes great people and great players.”

———

KYRIE’S FATHER DRED IRVING

“Kyrie has been achieving his whole life. He was a McDonald’s All-American. He’s never satisfied. He wants to be great. This is just another stepping stone. He’s happy, but he’s not going to be content. He’s never complacent.”

Cleveland Cavaliers all-time best point guards, from Lenny Wilkens to Mark Price to Kyrie Irving: Poll, videos, history

Source: Cleveland.com by Starting Blocks

Through good seasons and bad, the Cavaliers have often had good play from their point guards.

Kyrie Irving Wins NBA’s Top Rookie Honor, Praises Cleveland Cavaliers: Fan Take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

It is hard to deny that rookie point guard Kyrie Irving made a huge difference for the Cleveland Cavaliers this past season. Ever since LeBron James left town for a warmer climate and what he deemed to be a better chance at an NBA Championship, Cavaliers' fans had been looking for a reason to stay positive. When Cleveland won the 2011 NBA Draft Lottery and the rights to draft Irving, the future looked bright again for a once strong franchise that had the rug pulled out from under them.

A father and son share the joy of Kyrie Irving's Rookie of the Year award: Terry Pluto

Source: Cleveland.com by Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer

"I love you, man," the Cavaliers' young star said to his father, Dred, his voice cracking. "I'm living my dream. Without you, I don't know where I'd be."

Early failure set path to Rookie of the Year success for Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving

Source: Cleveland.com by Mary Schmitt Boyer, The Plain Dealer

A learning experience in Indiana cemented Kyrie Irving's relationship with Byron Scott and set the stage for all his future successes.

NBA roundup: Bulls' Rose may miss 2 months of next season (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose could miss the two months of next season while recovering from knee surgery.

Projecting Kyrie Irving's NBA Career Following Dynamic Rookie Season

Source: Bleacher Report

After being named this season's Rookie of the Year, it's now time to see just what kind of impact Kyrie Irving can make for the rebuilding Cleveland Cavaliers.

Nothing will define his career more than his ability to extricate this embittered franchise from the memories of LeBron James and what might have been. With Irving running the show, Cavs fans can finally start focusing on the future—a future that could be every bit as bright as it once was.

Even if Cleveland's 20-year-old point guard isn't the type to win a trio of MVP awards, he may be better suited to winning championships than LeBron will ever be.

Already, Irving has proven himself an exceptionally skilled and intelligent floor general. He averaged 18.5 points, 5.4 assists and 3.7 boards in his first professional campaign, shooting an impressive 47 percent in the process.

But more importantly, Irving displayed a kind of maturity that's rare for his age. He already makes good decisions, plays solid defense and shoots well from long-range—the sorts of things that even the best young players don't by easily.

As polished prospects go, few have come close to equaling Irving's all-around understanding of the game.

That shouldn't be especially surprising given Irving's humble disposition and willingness to learn from his successes and mistakes alike (via ESPN's Marc Stein):

"There is no limit for me," Irving said. "The only way I can go is up. That's the only way I want to go. This season was a learning experience. I learned what to do and what not to do. Going forward, I want to apply it next season and take it to another level."

It shouldn't be too hard for Irving to do exactly that. He's exhibited signs (both on and off the court) of becoming the league's next closest thing to Chris Paul, and it's hard to find any higher praise than that for a young point guard.

While Paul was a more prolific passer as a rookie, it took him two full seasons to improve upon a shooting percentage that initially hovered around 44 percent. Irving has plenty to learn from his elder superstars, but there's no question he's on the right track.

For all of John Wall's sheer talent and athletic ability, Irving has quickly become the East's most promising young leader and a good bet to make more than a few All-Star games.

He could also find himself proving his worth in the postseason before too long.

The Cavaliers are still in the midst of surrounding Irving with the young talent needed to form a competitive nucleus for the foreseeable future. The club drafted Tristan Thompson out of Texas with the fourth-overall pick in last summer's draft, and Cleveland will likely have another selection among the top five picks in this June's draft.

As the team continues to acquire building pieces and useful assets alike, Irving's individual accolades will give way to the recognition true superstars really want—the kind that will show up in win/loss columns and puts title banners in the Quicken Loans Arena.

Read more Cleveland Cavaliers news on BleacherReport.com

Cavs hoping to host future NBA All-Star game

Source: Ohio.com

CLEVELAND: Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert wants to bring the NBA All-Star game back to Cleveland.

Gilbert, who opened his new downtown casino Monday, said he plans to approach the league about hosting a future All-Star weekend. He hopes Cleveland would be able to get one “in the next few years.” The city last hosted the mid-season event in 1997, when the league celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Gilbert said Cleveland is again poised to hold such an event because of his casino as well as a downtown convention center under construction.

Houston is hosting next year’s game and New Orleans will have it in 2014 after also hosting in 2008. Gilbert noted that before the game was held in Orlando this year it was in a Western Conference city eight consecutive years.

Kyrie Irving not earning unanimous decision as Rookie of the Year is a head-scratcher : Cavs Comment of the Day

Source: Cleveland.com by cleveland.com

"Actually, it's worth mentioning because the three votes for the other players are just bizarre. There's no reason for anyone to vote for Kawhi Leonard, Kenneth Faried or Iman Shumpert, who are all good players but play on teams where they benefit from many other good players around them. There is no statistical measure or intangible measure (other than perhaps Shumpert's powerful defense) that would merit putting them above Irving. It's absurd and, as John Hollinger said today, 'indefensible'." - northcoastcat

Cavs hoping to host future NBA All-Star game (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert wants to bring the NBA All-Star game back to Cleveland.

Why the Browns should keep Colt McCoy, are the Indians fooling us and Kyrie Irving deserves honor : Blog Roundup

Source: Cleveland.com by Glenn Moore, cleveland.com

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.

Who Would You Trade Kyrie Irving For?

Source: Cleveland.com by Michael Curry

In a follow up to Tuesday's thoughts on Kyrie Irving's Rookie of the Year season, another question popped into my head.Who would you be willing to trade Kyrie Irving for, straight up?These types of discussions drive Bill Simmons' annual Trade Value...

Cavaliers' Irving named NBA's rookie of the year (Reuters)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

(Reuters) - Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving was named the National Basketball Association's (NBA) rookie of the year in a landslide victory after leading all first-year players in scoring, the league said on Tuesday. The 20-year-old Irving, taken first overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, averaged 18.5 points and 5.4 assists in 51 games playing for a Cavaliers team that went 21-45 last season and finished with the fourth-worst record in the league. "It was a great season, I had such an amazing time," the Australian-born Irving said at a news conference. ...

Head of the Class

Source: NBA.com

On Tuesday morning, Kyrie Irving was named the 2011-12 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year and he accepted his award at Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence, where he thanked his coach, his father and the fans.

Kyrie Irving Rookie of the Year 2012: Keys to Point Guard's Continued Success

Source: Bleacher Report

Kyrie Irving won the 2012 Rookie of the Year award with 117 of the 120 first place votes in his favor. Irving's rookie season was dynamic, but he must maintain that success if Cleveland hopes to return to basketball relevance.

Irving became just the sixth rookie in NBA history to average 18 points and five assists per game. He was incredibly efficient on the offensive end, shooting over 50 percent from the floor and consistently finding open teammates.

Irving was, at times, a one-man band in Cleveland this year. That helped him put up big numbers this year, but he will need help next season. Teams will have tape on Irving's penetration techniques and will be more inclined to keep him out of the paint.

He has all the tools of a perennial All-Star. This is how Irving can improve on his rookie season and bring the Cavaliers back to basketball prominence.

 

2012 NBA Draft

The first key does not have as much to do with Irving as it does with the Cavs. Irving was able to slash his way to the hoop this season with marginal players surrounding him. Just imagine what he could do with blue-chip complements.

Cleveland owns a lottery selection in this year's draft and another first-round selection outside of the lottery. This gives Cleveland a chance to grab two quality contributors in this year's deep draft class.

Irving needs a running mate in the Cleveland backcourt, or a quality slasher on the wing. Shoot-first players like Bradley Beal, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Lamb or Austin Rivers would all make sense given Irving's stellar passing ability.

Cleveland needs to surround their best asset with better players. Irving exudes upside and will flourish with another scorer next to him.

 

Stay Motivated

Irving's motivation should not be a problem, and it needs to stay that way in his post-award world. Irving should not be satisfied and should spend the offseason refining any minor blemishes in his basketball repertoire.

The ability to stay hungry is an underrated quality among NBA players. Many talented players have shown the ability to play for a short time, but they fade away once their drive slows down. Irving must keep his eyes on bigger goals, like NBA MVP awards and NBA championships.

Irving should not have trouble staying motivated.

Cleveland's franchise still lives in the shadow of LeBron James, and Irving should be eager to play them out of that. He should be hungry to give himself a title other than 'that guy after LeBron'.

Irving is certainly talented enough to shed any attachment to James, but he must couple that with a mental edge.

Cleveland fans are hungry for success in the post-LeBron era. Irving must be just as hungry.

 

Take Care of the Ball

Point guards are judged, first and foremost, by one statistic. Turnovers are the benchmark for backcourt success, and Irving needs to improve in this area.

Irving averaged just over five assists per game in 2012, but he also turned it over three times per contest. This can be attributed to regular rookie lumps, but it needs to improve nonetheless.

Irving was guilty of trying to do too much at times. Who can blame him given his supporting cast? But, Irving must play more within himself and improve his court awareness.

Turnovers can kill momentum. At the least, they throw away the current possession.

Irving's 2012 stat line is nearly flawless. Nitpickers will point to his turnovers as something to work on this offseason.

The greatest players always strive to get better despite their obvious success. Irving needs to adopt this attitude.

Read more Cleveland Cavaliers news on BleacherReport.com

Terry Pluto talks about Kyrie Irving winning Rookie of the Year, Ubaldo and Browns' defensive line : Podcast

Source: Cleveland.com by cleveland.com

What should the Indians do with Ubaldo Jimenez? Who can fit best with Kyrie Irving next season that is in the NBA Draft? Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving named Rookie of the Year -- but not unanimously

Source: Cleveland.com by Jodie Valade, The Plain Dealer

It finally was made official Tuesday -- Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving is the NBA's Rookie of the Year. Irving is the second Cavaliers player to earn the honor, which was not unamimous. He received 117 of 120 first-place votes.

Cavs guard Irving earns rookie honor (AFP)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving, the top overall selection in last year's NBA draft, was named the league's Rookie of the Year on Tuesday.

Kyrie Irving Wins Rookie of the Year

Source: Fear The Sword by johnf34

In yet another comedic vote of the NBA media, Kyrie Irving has won the Rookie of the Year award by garnering just 117 of a possible 120 first place votes. Irving's rookie season was head and shoulders above the rest of his peers and it is puzzling how he didn't receive all 120 votes.

Irving, the leader in this race from Christmas on, carried the Cavaliers all term long and looks to be a future multiple time All-NBA player.

The three other players who shockingly got first place votes were Kenneth Faried of the

Cavaliers' Irving selected NBA's top rookie (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving drove past defenders with ease all season.

Irving wins Rookie of the Year award

Source: Ohio.com

INDEPENDENCE: Kyrie Irving had four months to write his acceptance speech. He made it a good one.

Irving cracked jokes, thanked the Cavaliers organization and in a heartfelt moment, thanked his late mother and his father, Dred, after being presented with the Rookie of the Year award on Tuesday at Cleveland Clinic Courts.

Irving's comedy routine was needed since the race for the award was over by the All-Star break. The only question was whether or not Irving would become the fourth unanimous winner in league history, but he wasn't.

Irving received 117 of a possible 120 first-place votes. Denver's Kenneth Faried, San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard and New York's Iman Shumpert received the others, but Irving still won in a landslide. His 592 total points more than tripled Minnesota's Ricky Rubio, who finished second in voting despite missing half the season with a knee injury.

"Being the No. 1 pick, I'm glad I didn't get treated like one," Irving said. "When they drafted me, there were a lot of questions about my toe and whether I'd live up to the hype. It wasn't the most heralded No. 1 pick, but I had my own goals and my own team goals."

Irving joked how much his father, Dred, and Cavs coach Byron Scott are alike.

"They're both bald, they both wear nice suits and nice shoes," Irving joked, adding that both men hold him accountable and both demand excellence from him. 

As for his mother, Elizabeth, who died when he was a child, Irving looked to the sky and touched his heart while talking about her.

"I know she's looking down on me," he said. "I wish she was here to accept this award with me, but I know she's here in my heart. ... I pray to her every single day."

Irving has a tight bond with his father, who made raising his children his top priority after Elizabeth's passing. Dred, himself a former professional basketball player, taught his son much of what he knows today.

Irving joked the award was going on the mantle in his father's house in New Jersey, complete with flashing lights to illuminate it throughout the house.

"I love you man," Irving said, looking at his father. "I'm living my dream. Without you, I don't know where I'd be."

As part of the award, Irving was able to donate a Kia Sorento CUV to the New Jersey Roadrunners, his former AAU team.

Kyrie Irving wins the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving has won the Rookie of the Year award. News of his honor broke on Monday, and on Tuesday he was handed the hardware in a press conference so early in the day that admitted coffee … Continue reading →

Kyrie Irving voting, superlatives

Source: The News-Herald by News-Herald Blogs

2011-12 KIA NBA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTING RESULTS
Rookie, Team  1^st  2^nd  3^rd  TotalKyrie Irving, Cleveland  117  2  1  592Ricky Rubio, Minnesota  -  49  23  170Kenneth Faried, Denver  1  30  34  129Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio  1  9  15  47Iman Shumpert, New York  1  7  7  33Klay Thompson, Golden State  -  5  15  30Isaiah Thomas, Sacramento  -  6  10  28Brandon Knight, Detroit  -  6  3  21Chandler Parsons, Houston  -  3  5  14MarShon Brooks, New Jersey  -  1  1  4Kemba Walker, Charlotte  -  -  3  3Josh Selby, Memphis    -  -  1  1 KYRIE IRVING’S SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
·  In his NBA debut, dished out seven assists (to one turnover) and added six points and three rebounds in 26 minutes against Toronto on Dec. 26. Became first rookie in franchise history to have at least seven assists to just one turnover in their NBA debut.·  Recorded the first 20-point game of his career with 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in 34 minutes at Indiana on Dec.30. ·  Against New Jersey on Jan. 27, scored 21 of his season-high 32 points in the fourth quarter, including 17 in the last 2:58 becoming the first rookie to score at least 21 points in the fourth quarter of a game since Marcus Williams of New Jersey (November 24, 2006) and first player to score 17 or more points in the final three minutes of a game since Vince Carter, who did it with the Nets (April 11, 2006). ·  At Boston on Jan 29, scored the game-winning layup with 2.6 seconds remaining. He finished with game highs in points (23) and assists (6).·  Notched a game-high tying 23 points, including shooting 5-5 from the foul line, in 39 minutes against Sacramento on Feb. 19. Trailing by one with 2.9 seconds remaining, Irving knocked down two free throws to win the game.·  Dished out eight assists, to go along with 25 points on 8-15 (.533) shooting in 39 minutes of work against the Pistons on Feb. 21. In the fourth quarter, he scored 17 points on 6-9 (.667) shooting, including 3-3 from three-point range.·  Scored or assisted on the Cavs’ final 12 points in the last 2:36 of the game, including making the game-winning layup with 4.0 seconds remaining, in a 100-99 win at Denver on Mar 7.·  Had a career-high 12 assists, to go along with nine points in 31 minutes against the Thunder on Mar. 9, including scoring the go-ahead basket in the fourth quarter to help the Cavs to a 96-90 road victory, snapping Oklahoma City’s 14-game home winning streak.·  Scored 28 points on 11-16 (.688) shooting and added three rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes at Milwaukee on Mar. 14.·  Recorded his first career double-double with 19 points and 10 assists in 37 minutes against Atlanta on Mar. 18.·  Finished with 29 points, a career-high nine rebounds and nine assists in a career-high 42 minutes at Atlanta on Mar. 21, becoming the only rookie this season to reach totals of at least 29 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in a game. ·  Went 6-6 from three-point range and finished with a game-high 29 points on 11-20 (.550) shooting, to go along with a team-high five assists and three rebounds in 32 minutes against Milwaukee on Mar. 30. By shooting a perfect 6-6 from three-point range, he became the first rookie in the NBA to make at least six three’s in a game without a miss since Stephen Curry for Golden State on Jan. 5, 2010. Irving also set the Cavalier rookie record for the most three-pointers made in a game and most three-pointers made in a game without a miss.·  Scored a game-high 25 points on 10-16 (.625) shooting in only 29 minutes at Memphis on April 23. He also added four assists and three steals.

Cavaliers' Irving wins ROY Award (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

LeBron who?

Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving named Rookie of the Year -- but not unamimously

Source: Cleveland.com by Jodie Valade, The Plain Dealer

Irving receives 117 of 120 possible first-place votes.

Kyrie Irving receives NBA Rookie of the Year award: Twitter updates

Source: Cleveland.com by cleveland.com

Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving is receiving the NBA Rookie of the Year award this morning at Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence. Get updates from Mary Schmitt Boyer on Twitter.

Kyrie Irving Named The 2011-12 Kia NBA Rookie Of The Year

Source: NBA.com

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving has been named the recipient of the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy as the 2011-12 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Award, the NBA, Kia Motors and Cavaliers announced today from Cleveland Clinic Courts.

Kyrie Irving selected NBA's top rookie (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving is the NBA's Rookie of the Year, winning the award with the same ease as he dribbled past defenders this season.

Kyrie Irving To Be Named Rookie of the Year at Tuesday Press Conference

Source: Fear The Sword by johnf34

The Cleveland Cavaliers made a statement Monday saying there was a major announcement coming at a Tuesday press conference at the Cleveland Clinic Courts at 10 am EST.

In this day and age of instant media access and the fact that it is no secret that Kyrie Irving was the best rookie in the league this year there's little doubt what the media session will be about.

Irving has a chance to join Blake Griffin, David Robinson and Ralph Sampson as the only rookies to win the award unanimously.

The dazzling season by

Considering Kyrie Irving's Rookie of the Year Season

Source: Cleveland.com by Michael Curry

Cleveland Cavalier guard Kyrie Irving will be named as the NBA's Rookie of the Year today, culminating an excellent season by the 20-year-old point guard out of Duke University.With that in mind, it's time to answer some questions about Kyrie...