May 26, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) handles the ball against Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) during the second quarter in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
3. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
6’3” 193 lbs, 23-years-old
2014-2015 Stats: 21.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 5.2 apg, 1.5 spg, 0.3 bpg, 47% FG, 86% FT, 41% 3PT, 21.5 PER
Some wondered if the Cavaliers fate would have been different during last year’s Finals if Kyrie Irving was healthy. That is a legitimate concern, but unfortunately it seems as if it will always be a concern. He would probably be even higher than third on these rankings if he was able to stay healthy. For only being 23-years-old, he has already faced numerous injuries.
Do not let this cloud the opinion on this young star by any means. When he played last season he was unbelievable. Armed with arguably the best ball-handling in the league, and with an arsenal of offensive skills he is a nightmare to guard. He shot an outstanding 41 percent from 3-point land and showcased about everything you could possibly want to see from him offensively.
There is a “but” coming, and we all know about his defense. The Cavs basically tried to hide him as much as possible when it came to his match-ups with top-tier opposing point guards.
His defensive win shares (2.0) were dwarfed by his offensive output (8.4). Until he can improve on that side of the floor, it is hard to rank him over the two guys that beat him out in this list, let alone the multiple other superstars around the NBA.
He has the athletic ability and capability to be a strong defender and, as he develops, I hope that is something that no longer is a weakness. When healthy, he is blast to watch and could be one of the most entertaining offensive players in the NBA.
But, due to his health and defensive red flags, it is hard to rank him any higher than this. Here’s hoping Uncle Drew can stay healthy and improve defensively.
Next: No. 2