2011 NBA Draft Results: How Kyrie Irving Fits in With the Cleveland Cavaliers

And with the first pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected....

...Kyrie Irving from Duke University.

While the pick did not come as a surprise to most, there was still some debate as to whether or not the Cavs would pass on Irving and select Arizona's Derrick Williams.

However, Cleveland decided to go with Irving, making the best decision.

And here are a few reasons why.

Cavaliers Do Not Have to Rush to Develop Kyrie Irving

Usually, in regards to the first player selected in the NBA draft, they are forced into the rotation sometimes to quickly, which can seriously hurt their careers.

The Cavaliers, luckily, do not have to rush Irving's development along.

This is not to say that Irving will not make a contribution in his first year, but with Baron Davis there, the Cavs do not have to rush him if he isn't quite ready.  Davis is more than capable of handling the point guard duties, as well as mentoring Irving.

What exactly does all of this mean?

It means that Irving can begin his career in Cleveland the right way.

Sure there will be high expectations, but he does not have to carry the full weight of a LeBron James broken city.  Davis takes a tremendous amount of pressure off Irving's shoulders and makes Irving's transition into the NBA that much easier.

Now Irving's first season can be about seeing what this kid can do instead of what he has to do.

Kyrie Irving Adds a Crafty Scoring Punch to the Cavaliers

In Kyrie Irving's only season at Duke University, he averaged 17.5 points, 4.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Irving was always viewed as an NBA-type player, but he really thrust himself ahead of the pack by displaying the variety of ways he could score.

Whether it's driving through paint or shooting from the outside, Irving can get it done.

Irving can handle the ball with both hands when dribbling through traffic and can also score with both. There is not much drop off in his scoring ability from the weak side, and this excites Cleveland.  He shot nearly 53 percent from the field this past season, and many think this consistency will translate to the NBA immediately.

Additionally, Irving is also a three-point threat for the Cavs.  He shot over 46 percent from downtown this season, and most of his shots came from behind the NBA line.

With Irving on the roster, the Cavs become a legitimate outside shooting team.

Kyrie Irving Gives Baron Davis Purpose

It was already noted how the Cavs have the luxury of not having to rush Irving's development because of Baron Davis, but it must also be noted how Irving gives Davis something to play for.

Even though Davis is a capable veteran and Irving's contribution does not have to be rushed, his selection does instill a sense of competition in Cleveland.

For all anyone knows, Irving could surprise everyone and beat out Davis for the starting one spot.  While it is not likely, it does force Davis to consistently play at a high level.

Additionally, Irving gives Davis purpose in another regard: He has someone he can mentor.

Let's be honest, the Cavs are nowhere near being a contender, and by the time they are, Davis may not be there. This bitter truth could be very discouraging to Davis.  Why should he play his heart out for a team that isn't a playoff caliber team?

Irving is the answer.  He gives Davis a reason to work hard and continue playing at the level we all know him capable of.  He is not just warming the seat for Irving, rather he can be responsible for the player Irving becomes, giving him purpose.

And giving him a reason to step on the court every night.

Kyle Irving Means Goodbye Ramon Sessions

Ramon Sessions had a great year for the Cavaliers this past season.

He averaged 13.3 points and over five assists per game.

However, even before the Cavs won the lottery and the rights to select Irving, Sessions has been mentioned in countless trade rumors.

Cleveland does not deny Sessions' ability, but they do believe that he has hit his potential, which is why they selected Irving, who is viewed by many to be more than NBA ready.

And now with Davis, who gives the Cavs guaranteed production and Irving, the point guard of the future, the Cavaliers have no use for Sessions, except as a trade chip.

Irving is the newest addition to the Cavs backcourt, but Sessions is now the outcast.

Kyrie Irving Gives the Cavaliers Hope for the Future

When LeBron James bolted for sunny South Beach last summer, Cleveland's basketball heart was shattered.

Regardless of how confident own Dan Gilbert may have seemed, the Cavs had one again hit rock bottom. Sure their was some promising young talent on their team, but they were a long way away from a contender.

However, now Cleveland has a direction, with Irving and Tristan Thomas to lead the way.

In Irving, the Cavs get someone who is NBA ready and has sky-high potential.  Additionally, his quickness on offense, is also displayed on defense.  He is able to make sharp lateral movements, allowing him to keep pace with the fastest of players and stay out of foul trouble.

Are the Cavs instant contenders?

No, but it is comforting to know that they have officially crept out of the LeBron Jamesless coma they had been forced into last summer.