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Cleveland Cavaliers: Can The “Big Three” Last Long-term?

By Ryan Rosko

Feb 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets a high five from his teammates guard Kyrie Irving (2) and forward Kevin Love (0) after scoring during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 106-97. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets a high five from his teammates guard Kyrie Irving (2) and forward Kevin Love (0) after scoring during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 106-97. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Mar 5, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) directs the offense against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 120-103. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

The Issue Is Kyrie

Evan Hablitzel

No, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ “Big Three” will not last long-term. This opinion may be unpopular, but I put the blame on Kyrie Irving. He simply is not the elite player we all so badly want to believe.

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He is an extremely talented scorer and has the best handles in the league, but he is not an elite basketball player. Think Stephon Marbury. He was an incredibly talented player but he consistently was a star on bad teams.

Now, I am not saying Marbury is better than Irving, but the analogy works. People are quick to point out the reason Irving cannot become a true point guard. LeBron James also “always” has the ball in his hands to create offense. Fine, that’s very valid when they’re on the floor together.

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The problem is that when just Kevin Love and Irving are on the floor the team’s net efficiency rating is -14.9. There is absolutely no excuse for that. The “LeBron” handles the ball argument becomes invalid. Irving gets his, but fails to be a playmaker for those around him and is a liability on defense.

The reason the “Big Three” will not last long-term is Kyrie Irving. Harsh? Maybe. Trust me, I would love to eat my words in June with the Cleveland Cavaliers hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Next: Lets See The Trio Healthy At The Same Time

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