Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving not even a top 20 player according to Sports Illustrated

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. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
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. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers traded Kyrie Irving, and it might have been for the best because Sports Illustrated didn’t even rank him in the top 20.

Kyrie Irving has quite the array of questions that he needs to answer before he can justify requesting a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers. He ditched one of the NBA’s All-Time greats to be The Man. Sports Illustrated, who ranked him 21st in their top 100, described Irving’s situation perfectly.

"Can he take his own team into the second round of the playoffs like John Wall, Kyle Lowry, and Damian Lillard? Can he inch closer to average for a starter at his position on defense and stay on the court for 75+ games? In the end, those are the questions that will validate Irving’s move to Boston and determine whether he vaults up the point guard pecking order next year."

Climbing the chain in the top 20 is difficult. Irving has to prove he is more valuable than players like Jimmy Butler, Paul George, and several other quality superstars. He has time though. Irving is only 25 years old, and he has already developed a terrific offensive game. Apparently, it was his time to be his own player, even though he’s joining Gordan Hayward, a player ranked five spots higher than him.

Both players are new to the Celtics’ winning culture. Boston is still loaded with assets, so it might be in their best interest to acquire another star and attempt to dethrone LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. While that is still unlikely, it is a little surprising that Irving landed outside the top 20, but it justifies the Cavaliers’ trade even more.

The Cavaliers acquired two players ranked in the NBA’s top 100, Isaiah Thomas, ranked No. 40, and Jae Crowder, ranked No. 44. In that trade, they also acquire the most notable asset, the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first round pick. In the end, it was a terrific deal for the Cavaliers, and it is a bit relieving seeing Kyrie ranked so low.

Must Read: 5 bold predictions for the Cleveland Cavaliers

While it was a good trade for Cleveland, an instant rivalry was created, and the Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, will have to finally compete in the Eastern Conference Finals.