Fansided

NBA Season Preview 2017-2018: 10 players that will make a leap this season

By Jerry Christodoulatos

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 08: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks works against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 8, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 08: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks works against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 8, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Kyrie
BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving talks to the media as he gets introduced as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Kyrie Irving

Kyrie doesn’t exactly fit the typical profile of the guys on this list; he’s already a huge star that played a huge role in bringing a championship to Cleveland. He has yet to be the leader and go-to scorer and franchise cornerstone for a legit contender though. Many analysts and commentators have criticized Boston’s decision to trade for Irving on just those grounds. They argue that he’s not the kind of player that can carry a championship contender.  Well, Kyrie going to get a chance to prove his critics wrong this season.

With the Celtics, Kyrie will benefit from working with a great coaching staff that helps expand his game while also emphasizing the skills he already possesses. At the most basic level Kyrie’s shot volume and usage will increase, so he’ll likely compile better counting stats than he did in Cleveland. Coach Stevens and the Celtics could mold Irving into a lethal off-ball player though. They can use Kyrie in some of the sets that they ran for Isaiah, creating high efficiency looks for him via dribble handoffs and off ball screens. Irving also has much room to grow as a playmaker. He’s not a bad passer, but he doesn’t make particularly nuanced decisions that bend defenses. Boston emphasizes motion and ball movement, so Irving should be able to improve that facet of his game as the year progresses.