Kyrie Irving seems to be living up to his status as the top overall draft pick, but the rookie point guard’s poor defense has been a concern for Cavs head coach Byron Scott the entire season. Kyrie’s defense was so bad Friday against the Bulls (who were playing without MVP Derrick Rose), that the coach had a meeting with his point guard Saturday.
“If you can’t get stops it doesn’t matter what you are doing offensively because sooner or later you’re going to cool down,” Scott said.
“You know like he says the turnovers start with him? nThe defense starts with him as well,” the Cavs coach explained. “He’s the head of the snake and I know it’s a lot of responsibility for a 19-year-old but it is what it is and he’s got to do a better job and he’s aware of it.”
Scott said the defensive lapses have kept Irving, who’s averaging 27.9 minutes per game, from playing more. The former Duke point guard is taking the criticism quite well.
“He’s a defensive-minded coach and he was a defensive-minded player,” Irving said. “I kind of appreciate him giving it to me like that because I do have to get better. It’s all about what my man is doing. I take full responsibility for it.”
It’s the right attitude to have, but now Irving needs to take the important step of improving on defense. He’s only 19 years old, so he has plenty of time to get better.
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