Much of the NBA world does not understand why Kyrie Irving would want to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers. First and foremost, Irving’s situation alongside LeBron James is flawless from a basketball standpoint, as his skills are magnified while his weaknesses are lessened in conjunction with the best player on the planet. Beyond that, the Cavs are, well, “pretty f*cking good” as a team with Irving on board and that was the way they were described by a member of the squad earlier this month after the Irving demand came out.
After some investigation, Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye (who host a podcast together) absolved themselves of the quote including that phrase that was delivered to ESPN. Now, another member of Cleveland’s roster isn’t ready to take responsibility for it but, in a twist, J.R. Smith also went on the record in agreeing with the sentiment that it doesn’t make a lot of sense for Irving to want out of Cleveland.
I didn't say it but I feel the same way whoever did. SMH https://t.co/q3kiZvViXp
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) July 24, 2017
This is J.R. being J.R. in the best possible way, as he conveys his point while also providing the comic relief and directness that we’ve come to know and love from the always entertaining swingman. There is no wiggle room here, as it clearly portrays Smith as anything but understanding of Irving’s reported direction and, again, it is tough to blame him.
There are certain positives from Irving’s standpoint to moving on from James and the Cavs. He could, at least theoretically, increase his own brand by buoying his statistics and, if it succeeded, jump another level in terms of overall notoriety. At the same time, it is (very) risky for Irving to want out at this particular moment in time and his teammates are lining up with the rest of us in not fully grasping the timing or the decision itself.
