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Don’t kid yourself, the Cavs did not win the Kyrie Irving trade

By Doug Patrick

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 28: Kyrie Irving
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 28: Kyrie Irving /
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TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 12: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 12: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

But, what about Sexton?

The basis of Swartz’s argument is that the trade ultimately set Cleveland up for a better future:

"“The Brooklyn Nets’ unprotected 2018 first-rounder was the true base of this deal. It essentially meant starting a rebuild while still trying to win a championship… Now, the Cavs front office is enamored with rookie point guard Collin Sexton.”"

No doubt, Collin Sexton is an exciting piece to build around—someone that I’ve even gone on record saying has a great shot at winning Rookie of the Year honors.

But the fact is he isn’t Kyrie Irving.

Swartz agrees but argues that: “While it will be nearly impossible for Sexton to match Irving’s production and star power in Cleveland, his best ability may be availability.”

Much has been made about Kyrie’s injuries over the last few years. But while he’s never played a full season, he has also never played less than 50 games.

Who’s to say similar ailments won’t sideline Sexton later? And if we can’t guarantee that he will match Irving’s production, then does it matter if he is playing 20 more games per season? Even if he is an All-Star, will he be a factor in the playoffs and the NBA’s biggest stage?

The bottom-line is this: Kyrie hit the Shot in 2016. He has the clutch gene, and the ability to take over games, even against the staunchest defenses. Even if you substitute Irving for a reliable star like Kemba Walker—who regularly plays full seasons—there’s no way of knowing if he would have risen to the moment in Golden State.

We know Kyrie can do this. It isn’t a hypothetical the same way Sexton’s impact is right now.

All excitement over the next few years with Sexton over Irving, right now, is imagined.