Kyrie Irving: Will He Be the Cleveland Cavaliers' Savior?

The excitement surrounding the 2011 NBA draft has transformed into expectations that sit squarely on the Cavaliers' first-round draft pick, Kyrie Irving.  Coming off the most dismal year in Cavaliers history, Irving will now be the face of the Cavaliers franchise as the point guard of the future.

Can Kyrie Irving lead the Cavaliers back to relevance in the NBA and with Cleveland sports fans? 

Kyrie Irving Is the Next Chris Paul...

Kyrie Irving and Chris Paul are both former ACC point guards, have similar college stats (Irving's 17.5 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.4 RPG vs. Paul's 15 PPG, 6.3 APG, 3.4 RPG), have comparable builds (Irving 6'2", 180 lbs vs. Paul 6'0", 175 lbs), and both were coached by Byron Scott to start their careers. 

If the Hornets can be a perennial playoff contender after an 18-win season prior to drafting Paul, then the Cavaliers can come back to prominence after drafting Irving.

But He'll Need Time and a Better Team.

Chris Paul didn't make it to the playoffs until his third season in the NBA.  The Hornets added Tyson Chandler and Peja Stojakovic to their starting lineup and the team needed time to gel as a unit.

The Cavs have weaknesses at shooting guard, small forward and center that need to be addressed prior to considering the team a playoff contender. 

More Help Is on the Way...

If the Cavs wind up in the lottery next year, they'll have the opportunity to select another potential star in a deeper draft.  Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger, Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers would all be excellent additions to cover the current weaknesses.

The Cavs also have a favorable problem of an excess amount of quality players at the point guard and power forward positions.  Dan Gilbert has provided Chris Grant the power to be aggressive in trades and free agency if the right deal is available. 

But Next Year's Draft Pick Will Be the Real Savior.

Next year's talented crop of players contains a number of tall, athletic, highlight-inducing scorers that will win fans' hearts with exciting play.  Another frustrating year will lead to the fans forgetting Kyrie for the next shiny new toy.

Kyrie Irving Is Not LeBron James…

It's difficult to watch Cavs highlights with LeBron James.  It's difficult to watch any game with LeBron James. The distaste and venom that spews out of Cavs fans (and Dan Gilbert) can be replaced with cheering and discussion for the new team.

But He Isn't Against LeBron James.

Kyrie has defended his relationship with LeBron, saying that he "filled a big brother role in my life."  Kyrie has attended LeBron's summer camps and has developed a friendship with the Cavs foe over the past year.

Kyrie Is a Good Person…

In light of LeBron's self-centered treason to the Cavs,  Kyrie has come off as modest and respectful during media appearances.  

Kyrie and Tristan Thompson were introduced as "two fantastic young men" at the Cavaliers' introductory press conference and commented on how important it is to not only be a great basketball player, but also a great person.

But He Could Still Leave Cleveland.

NBA players want to create super teams in major markets, and Cleveland isn't one of those cities.  The state income tax and weather are major deterrents, and free agency allows players to choose whichever city they'd like to play in.

Teams no longer have leverage with the "Larry Bird Exception" to sign their own players to more money, as players can force teams to perform a sign and trade or face gaining nothing in the loss of a star player.

Cavs Fans Still Care…

The 2011 NBA Finals showed that Cavs fans still care about basketball by supporting the Mavericks against public enemy No. 1, LeBron James.

The city rejoiced for the King's collapse, spurring the creation of "Mavalier" fans in Northeastern Ohio.  If the Cavs win, fans will gladly crown a new king of Quicken Loans Arena.

But Cavs Fans Are Hesitant to Commit.

Last year was not fun.  "The Decision" ripped Cleveland's heart out, leaving a team that would not stand up for itself when the time came for revenge.  The Cavs decided to lay down on their back to the Heat, starting a 26-game losing streak.

If the Cavs have no power to keep their best players, who will ultimately leave for the bright lights of a big city, why bother getting attached to the players now?

Will Kyrie Save the Cavs?

An NBA work stoppage is looming, and small-market teams are struggling.  The NBA could have vastly different rules following labor-negotiations that could impact the Cavs' ability to compete.  Fans will need to hope that a fair playing field is stressed by the owners to allow teams to keep their star players away from congregating on a few power teams.

Kyrie will be given his chance to save the Cavs at some point, but the rising challenges will be difficult to overcome.