When LeBron James decided to return and Kevin Love was acquired via trade, the Cleveland Cavaliers suddenly had their own “Big Three” with Kyrie Irving rounding out the trio. The group has struggled to co-exist, and injuries sidelined Love and Irving during last year’s playoff run, but most of the assumed animosity has centered on Love trying to find a way to fit in alongside James.
During his daily appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith offered that Irving is not happy in Cleveland.
“Dating back to last year, I’ve been told that Kyrie Irving ain’t too happy being in Cleveland. The situation is not ideal for him. I don’t know the particulars, I haven’t spoken to him personally. It’s something that I’ve been hearing for months; that under ideal circumstances he would prefer to be someplace other than Cleveland.”
Irving is only a point guard in physical stature, not mentality, with stats to back that up (18.9 points and 4.3 assists per game this season). James plays more like a traditional point guard who facilitates offensive flow, and Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com has passed along some “behind the scenes” news regarding how James views that dynamic.
“Behind the scenes, James has been growing livid about being the sole proprietor of making sure guys are involved, and in a rhythm. He’s used to carrying such a workload, but on this team, he shouldn’t have to. From top to bottom, this is the deepest team James has been a member of. He needs help.”
The Cavaliers are the Eastern Conference version of the Houston Rockets at this point, with stars who can’t or won’t try to function together. It’s not necessarily surprising that Irving isn’t happy with his situation in Cleveland, with James getting the big picture credit when the Cavaliers have success, but any sort of formal trade request this offseason should come with the “be careful what you wish for” caveat.
