LeBron James may be grooming Kyrie Irving to become the leader of the Cavaliers. After exploding for 32 points Wednesday night, including a jaw-dropping display of crossovers and perimeter shooting in the fourth quarter, Irving had the NBA buzzing.
James was particularly impressed, offering up high praise in the aftermath that put major pressure on Irving.
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James called Irving “an MVP,” according to Cleveland.com, before backing off a little. "He's much better than an All-Star," James said. "I'm not going to put too much pressure on him, but I know in my head what he can become in this league and tonight he showed it."
By saying that, he envisions Irving’s ceiling to be as high, or higher, than Stephen Curry’s. Eyeing anyone but Curry as the MVP this year is silly, especially when Irving has played in just seven games, but so far he’s shown zero trace of his knee injury lingering. Irving has averaged 17.5 points and four assists, with Wednesday night serving as his announcement that he’s officially back.
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LeBron also believes that Irving’s injury may have helped develop his basketball mind. "You get to see the game a lot better from the sidelines at times," James said. "You see ways you can help the team, ways you can help yourself as well, and I think he's done that for himself."
Irving showed that on Monday, establishing a season high eight assists in a win against the Raptors where he also added 25 points and six rebounds. Should Irving grow out of his scoring mode, and become a playmaker for others as well in James’ mold, that amplifies Cleveland’s potential, and may maximize power forward Kevin Love.
"It's great to know that you can have two All-Stars that can go in the game when you sit down," James said. It’s even greater when Irving can replicate what James does on the court.
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