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August 22, 2016Coming into 2016, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving already had a shelf full of awards on his trophy case, but no awards that included finishing atop the NBA or the Olympics. In just over two months, that all changed as the Summer of Kyrie rolled on.
In early June 2016, the former Duke Blue Devil was still searching for the top prize in both the NBA and international play. But, since June 19, the 24-year-old has received a medal and a ring (will soon have the ring) that he can place atop his trophy case. After winning the NBA championship after the Cavs overcame a 3-1 series deficit against the Golden State Warriors, Irving secured his first NBA title ring. Now on Sunday, the NBA star helped Team USA win the gold medal with a 96-66 win over Serbia in the final game of the 2016 Rio Olympics.
During the Olympics, Irving started at point guard in all eight games for the red, white, and blue. He averaged 11.4 points (third on team), 2.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists (led team) while shooting 47 percent from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc. He was the lone Cavalier on Team USA in 2016, but that could change if star LeBron James decides to play in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
At just the ripe age of 24, Irving’s trophy case is already getting full. He has now racked up an NBA title, Olympic gold medal, FIBA 2014 World Cup champion, FIBA World Cup tournament MVP, has been named an All-Star three times, and has one All-NBA third team honor. Also, he is just the fourth player to ever win an NBA title and Olympic gold medal in the same year, joining James, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen—not bad company.
Irving will look to get some rest before the NBA preseason, one which may be starting earlier for the Cavs than some other teams this fall. For his sake—and that of Cavaliers fans’—here’s hoping this short rest before will be enough for No. 2 heading into the upcoming NBA season. Just remember, when referring to Irving, make sure to include this… Kyrie Irving: NBA Champi0n, Olympic Gold medalist.
9 Comments
He made it out of Rio healthy.
I honestly don’t care about the medal.
He also won Rookie of the Year. Not bad for a young man who was just drafted 5 years ago.
Feast your eyes on the 2011 roster, anchored by Kyrie Irving and the redoubtable Samardo Samuels and Lester Hudson: http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2012.html
Thank you, Lebron, thank you
Cavs now have 2 of only 9 guys to win an NBA Title, Olympic Gold Medal, and FIBA World Cup:
Kevin Love (2010 FIBA WC, 2012 OGM, 2016 NBA Title)
Kyrie Irving (2014 FIBA WC, 2016 NBA Title, 2016 OGM)
“Uncle Drew” was also the 2014 All Star Game MVP, 2013 3-Point Shootout winner, and 2012 Rookie of the Year
Going out on a limb….
He’ll be the last Cav to wear #2.
Consider those years as Irving paying his dues to earn his current success.
Kyrie Irving has already accomplished more than any Cav player with their number in the rafters (for the Cavs), so yeah.
Austin Carr was the Cavs’ first homegrown good player, so he’s deserving.
Bingo Smith was the glue that held the Miracle of Richfieid team together, so he’s good.
Nate Thurmond’s number is basically a “gold watch” for his whole career (probably wouldn’t be up there if he wasn’t from Akron)
Daughtery, Price, and Nance were multi-time All Stars during a good Cavs era, so they’re OK.
Z was a longtime loyal soldier through thick and thin, a 2-time All Star, and a rock on the Cavs’ 1st finals team, so he’s OK.
Joe Tait’s banner speaks for itself
For the future – 23 is going up (duh), 2 is probably going up, and (with another title) 0 will probably go up as well.
I did not say anything about if those in the rafters deserved to be there. Only that Kyrie has accomplished more.
🙂