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Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving And Iman Shumpert To Return Soon?

By Jamyson Frierson

Nov 2, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Cleveland Cavaliers guards Iman Shumpert (left) and Kyrie Irving (right) watch warm ups before action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Cleveland Cavaliers guards Iman Shumpert (left) and Kyrie Irving (right) watch warm ups before action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert could make their return on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ current road trip.

According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt has said that Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert will travel with the team on the upcoming two-game road against the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics — and could make their season debuts.

Shumpert hasn’t played since Game 6 of the NBA Finals and Irving since Game 1. Shumpert could play as soon as Friday against the Magic.

Both players have been terribly missed by the Cavaliers. Irving’s ability to push the ball and spread the floor will be welcomed, along with Shumpert’s ability to guard the perimeter and penetrate to the basket. With both of them out, the Cavaliers have missed the 28.9 points per game the averaged last year.

Cleveland was ranked eighth in total offense at the end of last season. This year, they are ranked 22nd. Many people thought that the addition of Mo Williams along with a healthy Kevin Love would continue the offensive output of last year. However, this season so far has shown the value of losing both players.

Most of the emphasis has been put on LeBron James and what he will do next. Just like James’ first time with the Cavaliers, the offense just stymies when he gets the ball. His teammates look around instead of setting picks and getting open, and the opposing defenses just focus in on him and it potentially leads to a turnover. That will surely change with their return.

The biggest advantage that the Cavaliers and Irving can hang their hat on is depth at the point guard position. Blatt isn’t likely to play Irving a lot of minutes as he will slowly allow him to get back into NBA shape and get used to the pace of the game. That is where having Williams, Matthew Dellavedova and Jared Cunningham will show its true value. Williams is averaging 13.6 points per game and he won’t even be the starter.

Dec 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams (52) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams (52) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Dellavedova is averaging 8.1 points per game and has been playing relentless defense on every opposing guard. Cunningham has career highs in every category. He is averaging 3.8 points per game and has scored more total points this season (69) than he did in two years with the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings.

This will allow Blatt to preserve Irving and save him for when he’ll be needed most during the postseason. It wouldn’t be surprise me if Irving gets numerous nights off.

I haven’t forgotten about Shumpert.

He will bring the much needed energy and defensive prowess that the Cavaliers are missing. Opposing teams are shooting 22.8 percent from three-point range against the Cavaliers this season, which is 11th in the NBA. Shumpert will definitely help lower that number.

The biggest question now is will Blatt immediately put him into the starting lineup or will he stick with a struggling J.R. Smith? I’m thinking he will do the latter and easily bring Shumpert along to regain his starting spot. I don’t look for him to start if he plays tonight.

Next: NBA Power Rankings: Week 7

They both couldn’t be coming back at a better time. With only two weeks to go before Christmas, they will have a few games under their belt to possibly dethrone the Golden State Warriors if they are still undefeated at that time. More exciting times will finally be back in Cleveland!

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