Kyrie Irving: It will be a pleasure to learn from LeBron James
By Sam Richmond
Kyrie Irving had one of the best summers among NBA players. Not only did he sign a $90 million extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he also is a new teammate of the best player in the league, LeBron James.
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With James 29 years old and an excellent leader, he’s expected to hold a mentor-like relationship with the 22-year-old point guard.
Irving told Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio that he’s looking forward to picking James’ brain.
"“It’s going to be a pleasure to learn from him,” Irving said. “Right now, he’s focused on his family. It’s time to enjoy the offseason.”"
Irving has yet to make the playoffs in his first three seasons in the NBA, so James will have to teach Irving an awful lot in a short period of time if the two are going to bring the Cavs an NBA championship anytime soon.
LeBron announced his decision to return to Cleveland in a heartfelt letter posted on SportsIllustrated.com. Not surprisingly, Irving was happy when he read the piece.
"“I was excited,” Irving said. “You have to empathize with the guy. I think we all felt his emotions with his essay. … I found out like everyone else found out.”"
James averaged 27.1 points (56.7 percent shooting from the floor and 37.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc), 6.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists in his final season with the Heat. Irving averaged 20.8 points (43.0 percent shooting from the floor and 35.8 percent from three), 6.1 assists and 3.6 rebounds with Cleveland in 2013-14.