Red Right 88

Kyrie Irving signs contract extension with Cavaliers

Almost from the moment that former NBA Commissioner David Stern made the announcement that the Cleveland Cavaliers had selected Kyrie Irving in the 2011 NBA Draft, Cleveland Cavaliers fans have been told – repeatedly- that it was only a matter of time before Irving fled Cleveland.

A sampling of those media reports includes:

July 18, 2013: “I’ve heard from someone in the know… Kyrie Irving not long for Cleveland” – @BrandonTierney

July 18, 2013: Kyrie Irving denies ridiculous rumor he wants to leave Cleveland Cavs

Nov. 2, 2013: Cleveland Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving could follow LeBron James out the door

Jan. 30, 2014: Kyrie Irving privately unhappy with Cavaliers

April 4, 2014: “The truth is [Kyrie’s] camp has been putting out there for years – years – that he doesn’t want to be in Cleveland.” – ESPN’s Brian Windhorst

April 7, 2014: Unhappy Irving could impact the NBA Draft

May 26, 2014: Contrary 2 report, reason Cavs won’t offer Kyrie max extension: because they know he wouldn’t accept & don’t want 2 look bad#goinggoinggone – @PeterVecsey1

May 27, 2014: Kyrie Irving inching closer to Lakers

So it was quite a nice twist for Cavs fans to wake up this morning to the following news:

July 1, 2014: Cavs, Irving agree to contract extension

And while we were driving to work this morning, we heard two words echoing from somewhere “deep in the Q” as they traveled across the country for the national media to hear.

We’re not completely sure, but it sure sounded like someone saying “suck it!”

What can the Cavs do about their glass man?

The Cleveland Cavaliers announced on Monday that point guard Kyrie Irving will be shut down for three to four weeks with an AC sprain in his shoulder.

Are there any Cavs fans who are surprised?

In the short run, the Cavs plans for Irving should be pretty easy – with only five weeks left in the season, they should shut him down for the rest of the year. With the Cavs looking to maximize their draft position rather than battling for a playoff spot, there is little reason to bring Irving back this season just so he can play for a week.

It’s easy enough to make plans for the next few weeks; it is the long-run plan that may be a bit trickier.

We look for answers at The Cleveland Fan.

(Photo by The Associated Press)

Hopefully, the kids are alright

It’s nice that the Cleveland Cavaliers have four players taking part in this weekend’s All-Star Game festivities, but there is a small part of us that wishes it wasn’t so.

Because right now what Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters and Tyler Zeller probably need, more than anything, is time away from the game to rest up. Especially Irving, who played 27 minutes in Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge, will take part in tonight’s 3-point contest and represent the Cavs in the actual All-Star Game on Sunday.

“They’ll probably have him do a bunch of stuff,” Cavs coach Byron Scott told The Plain Dealer earlier in the week. “So I’m a little concerned coming back he’ll be more tired. But that’s something we’ll deal with Monday when he comes back.”

We’re with you coach.

To find out why, head over to The Cleveland Fan.

(Photo by The Associated Press)