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Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 best draft selections of the 2010’s

By Dan Gilinsky

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (R) makes a three-point shot over Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry to take the lead in the final moments of the fourth quarter in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 19, 2016 in Oakland, California.(Photo credit: BECK DIEFENBACH/AFP via Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (R) makes a three-point shot over Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry to take the lead in the final moments of the fourth quarter in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 19, 2016 in Oakland, California.(Photo credit: BECK DIEFENBACH/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
Kyrie Irving, then of the Cleveland Cavaliers, drives to the basket. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

#1: Kyrie Irving

Clearly, the best draft pick of the 2010’s by the Cleveland Cavaliers was Kyrie Irving, who was drafted first overall in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Of course, it was unfortunate when Irving requested a trade and was eventually dealt to the Celtics (and now, Irving is a Brooklyn Net via unrestricted free agency), and Iman Shumpert recently touched on how looking back, he wishes the Cavs’ championship-winning group had more time together.

Clearly, though, the selection of Irving was quite a hit by the Cavs, and he and Thompson were two key picks then. In six seasons with the Cavaliers, Irving averaged 21.6 points, 5.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game, won the Rookie of the Year, and was a four-time All-Star.

Irving seemingly formed the perfect pairing alongside LeBron in those return years, too.

Factoring in Kevin Love, who was acquired in a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves (and also the Philadelphia 76ers) most notably involving 2014 number one overall Andrew Wiggins and Bennett being sent to Minny, the Cavs had a terrific trio of stars for three seasons. There were some tough injuries along the way, but when all three were healthy, what a trio, and Irving’s gravity as a scorer did at least lead to a decent share of assists after drive-and-kicks, dump-offs and in transition.

Irving has been arguably most talented scoring guard in Cavs history, with his otherworldly ball-handling prowess, ability to finish consistently at all three levels, knockdown shooting off-the-catch, touch off the glass with both hands and plus, he was such a clutch bucket-getter throughout his time with Cleveland.

Irving hit, from my perspective (I know I’m biased), the best shot in NBA Finals history over Stephen Curry and to take the lead with under a minute left in Game 7 of that 2016 series comeback.

That put the Cavs in the driver’s seat to win the team’s only championship to this point, and in three postseasons with Cleveland, Irving averaged 23.9 points, 4.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Next. KJG roundtable on CLE all-time starting fives, LeBron's best postseason runs with Cavs. dark

The bigger the stage, the bigger Kyrie played, really, and though it didn’t play out how us Cavaliers fans and I’d assume others wanted with the trade request, it’s evident to me that Irving was by far the best draft pick of the 2010’s by the Wine and Gold. Thanks again for that shot, Uncle Drew.