NBA Cleveland Cavaliers

5 Reasons Why Kyrie Irving Should Be an NBA All-Star Starter

Fresh Videos

By

5 Reasons Why Kyrie Irving Should Be an NBA All-Star Starter

Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers 2015 NBA All-Star Game MVP basketball
Getty Images

The 2011-12 Rookie of the Year has endured a tough season with the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers, but he has proven deserving of one of the five starting spots on the floor for the opening tip off. Long considered one of the NBA's elite players, he was rewarded with a $ 90 million contract extension in the offseason. Here are five reasons why Kyrie Irving should be a starter in the 2015 NBA All-Star Game.

5. Not Just a One-Way Player

Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers 2015 NBA All-Star Game MVP basketball
Getty Images

5. Not Just a One-Way Player

Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers 2015 NBA All-Star Game MVP basketball
Getty Images

Irving is the type of player fans and coaches want to see on the court not only because of his brilliant offensive skills, but also because he can ruthlessly defend. He leads the Cavs in steals (1.5), and it is also those defensive intangibles like diving for a loose ball, forcing a shot clock violation or a bad pass that make life miserable for opponents every time they bring the ball up the floor.

4. Momentum and Scorching Form

Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers 2015 NBA All-Star Game MVP basketball
Getty Images

4. Momentum and Scorching Form

Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers 2015 NBA All-Star Game MVP basketball
Getty Images

If current pace is any indication of why a player should be a starter at Madison Square Garden next month, Irving fits the bill. On Wednesday against the Houston Rockets, Irving returned to the Cleveland lineup and was in scintillating form, scoring a season-high 38 points and keeping his shorthanded team in the game even though they were eventually overpowered 105-93.

3. Last Year's Unforgettable All-Star Performance

Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers 2015 NBA All-Star Game MVP basketball
Getty Images

3. Last Year's Unforgettable All-Star Performance

Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers 2015 NBA All-Star Game MVP basketball
Getty Images

Irving was a starter for the Eastern Conference in last season’s game in New Orleans after receiving 860,221 votes. He didn’t disappoint either and was presented with 2014 NBA All-Star game MVP trophy after scoring 31 points and leading the East to a 163-155 victory. Irving already has the track record and can clearly deliver as part of the starting five for this year’s game in New York.

2. He's Carrying the Weight of Cleveland on His Shoulders

Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers 2015 NBA All-Star Game MVP basketball
Getty Images

2. He's Carrying the Weight of Cleveland on His Shoulders

Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers 2015 NBA All-Star Game MVP basketball
Getty Images

It’s no wonder he has suffered nagging back and knee injuries recently since Irving has been the one carrying all the weight for Cleveland this season. The last month has been particularly difficult for the Cavaliers, and despite the absence of the other two parts of Cleveland's "Big Three'" Kevin Love and LeBron James, Irving has fought through it all and come out on top.

1. Skill Level Makes Him a Main Attraction For Fans

Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers 2015 NBA All-Star Game MVP basketball
Getty Images

1. Skill Level Makes Him a Main Attraction For Fans

Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers 2015 NBA All-Star Game MVP basketball
Getty Images

Irving is a complete showman who displays jaw-dropping ball handling skills. His crossovers are mesmerizing, and his quick jab steps and cuts to the basket leave baffled defenders flat footed. If all of the other reasons don’t do it for you, the sheer entertainment value of his game should be enough to get him into the starting lineup.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on