{"id":31484,"date":"2020-06-16T08:00:30","date_gmt":"2020-06-16T12:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprobasketball.com\/?p=31484"},"modified":"2020-06-15T14:14:09","modified_gmt":"2020-06-15T18:14:09","slug":"last-word-on-pro-basketballs-top-30-nba-players-kyrie-irving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2020\/06\/16\/last-word-on-pro-basketballs-top-30-nba-players-kyrie-irving\/","title":{"rendered":"Last Word on Pro Basketball\u2019s Top 30 NBA Players: Kyrie Irving"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although ranking the top 30 NBA players in today\u2019s game is an incredibly difficult task, The Last Word on Pro Basketball staff has taken it on. Debuting at number 15 in the countdown is Brooklyn Nets<\/a> point guard\u00a0Kyrie Irving<\/strong>.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Top 30 NBA Players<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Number 15 – Kyrie Irving<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A former first overall pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a>, Kyrie Irving has been one of the NBA\u2019s most electrifying players ever since he was drafted back in 2011. He’s one of the elite point guards in the game and known for his spectacular handles and finishing ability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After failing to the Cavaliers to the playoffs in his first three seasons, Irving played a crucial role in helping Cleveland win their first-ever NBA championship alongside Lebron James<\/a><\/strong>. The dynamic duo led the team to three straight finals appearances while forming one of the most heated rivalries against the Golden State Warriors<\/a>. Irving played a crucial role in 2016 finals, helping his club cap off a miraculously 3-1 comeback against the greatest regular-season team ever.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, Irving would request a trade in the summer of 2017 and was eventually shipped to the Boston Celtics<\/a> in a blockbuster deal. His first season with the team was going well until knee surgery ended his campaign. Expectations were high for Boston the following year, but locker room issues led to a disappointing season for the team. Afterward, Irving became an unrestricted free agent and decided to sign with the Brooklyn Nets. Only 28, his best days might still be ahead of him, especially now that he\u2019s on his preferred team with good friend Kevin Durant<\/a><\/strong> by his side.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Strengths<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Like previously mentioned, Irving possesses incredible ball-handling skills, as he arguably has one of the best handles in NBA history. This allows him to create separation and get clean shots at the basket. Paired with elite shooting (career 39 percent three-point shooter) and you have one of the premier scorers in the league; Irving averages over 22 points in his career. He\u2019s also very efficient, owning a 60 percent true shooting percentage the past three seasons, which is 4 percent above the league average.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n