LeBron James believes in Kyrie Irving. (USATSI)
At the release of his new Nike shoes Tuesday night, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (OK, less weird to type that than it was in July, but still weird) said that he believes Kyrie Irving can be the best point guard in the league, and that he wants to help Kevin Love become the best power forward in the league.
"I believe Kyrie can be the best point guard in the league very soon, and Kevin Love is already in the discussion as far as being the best power forward in the league," James said. "We have so many great [power forwards]: Tim Duncan, if he's playing center or power forward, Dirk Nowitzki, LaMarcus Aldridge, Chris Bosh, Pau Gasol is still very good. But that's my vision, to maximize [Love's] potential, and his potential to be the best at his position."
via Nike unveils LeBron James' latest signature sneaker, the 'LeBron 12' - NBA - SI.com.
Pretty standard "support your teammates" stuff from James. In reality, there was a reasonable belief two years ago that Irving could be the best point guard in the league in the next five years. But those expections have been tempered by questions about Irving's durability, his leadership, and his lowered production during Cleveland's struggles.
But Irving's handle is elite, he's a tremendous shooter, and has huge upside as a playmaker.
Love's a bit easier. You can make a pretty easy argument that he was the best power forward in the league last season. LaMarcus Aldridge is a great answer. Tim Duncan has the legend behind him. Dirk Nowitzki is still incredible. But no one was better offensively overall than Love. If his defense next to the Cavs defenders can reach even "acceptable" levels, he could cement that position easily.
James wants to play with the best. His coming home was about redemption, but he's not done competing. Whether the other two can live up to that kind of standard will determine if Cleveland can finally win a championship.
Basketball Hot News
Omer Asik wants to just defend, rebound. Which is just fine with Anthony Davis.
New Orleans made one of the best free agent pick ups of the summer in Omer Asik (who they got from Houston for a song).
Anthony Davis is ready to make another leap, this time clearly into the NBA’s elite. But to do that he needs a guy next to him who can handle some of the dirty work. Enter Asik.
Davis and Asik when head-to-head when the USA took on Turkey at the World Cup and apparently Asik spoke with Davis and Pelican’s coach Monty Williams (who was a Team USA assistant), reports Jim Eichenhofer of the Pelicans’ official Web site.
That’s what the Pelicans wanted from him.
What Asik has wanted is a chance to start and to get some touches — with the Pelicans he should get both. He will not be a primary offensive option but as teams focus on Davis and Jrue Holiday, Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon Asik will get some favorable match ups to exploit. He’ll get his buckets.
Everything is poised for the Pelicans to make a leap this year, to be a team that could make the playoffs even in the deep West. First, they have to stay healthy.
Then the key is the defense, which was bottom five in the league last year and needs to make the leap.
Asik being a force in the paint (along with Davis) is central to that. Monty Williams playing a system that better fits his personnel defensively is part of that. If it doesn’t come together somebody should be in trouble.
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