Can Kyrie Irving Turn the Cleveland Cavaliers' Fortunes Around?

Kyrie Irving isn't in the most enviable position right now.

The Cavaliers first overall pick in this summer's NBA draft, Irving made the questionable decision to leave Duke after one injury-plagued season.

There were a hundred reasons to stay in school. 

Irving could have cemented his draft status and silenced critics about his durability had he returned to play a healthy season. Waiting a year could have meant avoiding the ugly labor situation, while possibly avoiding the lockout altogether. It would have also meant a back-court pairing with Austin Rivers and a serious shot at a national championship.

Despite all of this, and a somewhat uncertain draft position, Irving made what he felt was the right decision and was subsequently rewarded with being the first name called on draft night.

The honeymoon's over now, but will the marriage between Kyrie and Cleveland last?

Irving will now be compared to the likes of Derrick Rose and John Wall—recent point guards who went first overall with the expectation of turning a struggling franchise around.

Can Irving turn the Cavaliers into a playoff contender once again?

In a word: no.

Irving is a phenomenal talent, no doubt, but it is unfair to expect one man to do it alone. Heck, even three stars together apparently can't win a championship.

Cavs fans' expectations for Irving will be high, as they should be, but they should also be reasonable.

Irving won't lead the Cavaliers to the playoffs this season, assuming there is one, but that's not to say he's failed as a player.

Building a franchise is a marathon, not a sprint. Those who seek to improve overnight often find themselves repeating this strategy for years and years.

The fact of the matter is that adding Irving is a great start, and one that hopefully leads to an perennial playoff contender once again.

Before this can happen though, the Cavs have to add another cornerstone through next year's draft, let some bad contracts expire and make a play in the free-agent market within the next few years as well.

Cleveland made the smart pick in the draft by going with Irving, and should be on their way to relevancy in the league once again.

Kyrie Irving can begin to turn the Cavaliers' fortunes around, but patience, and a little bit of help, will definitely be needed to finish the job.