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NBA Player Power Rankings: There’s A New No. 1 Player

By Maxwell Ogden

November 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) dribbles against Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) dribbles against Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

Position: Point Guard
Age: 24 (3/23/1992)
Experience: 6th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .472/.407/.814
2016-17 Season Averages: 33.8 MPG, 23.7 PPG, 5.1 APG, 3.2 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 2.5 3PM

The Cleveland Cavaliers are attempting to build the future of the organization through starting point guard Kyrie Irving. LeBron James is still the best player in Cleveland, but Irving is undoubtedly earning his stripes.

It’s no secret that Irving is one of the best scorers in the NBA, but this past week, he proved himself as a facilitator.

Irving led the Cavaliers to victory with 25 points and 11 assists in three quarters against the Detroit Pistons. It was a beautiful performance from a player who has long been criticized for being unwilling to facilitate.

The next time out, Irving put up 20 points and six assists on 8-of-15 shooting from the field and 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc during a 137-125 win over Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Irving’s development as a facilitator is an encouraging sign that LeBron James won’t have to shoulder an overwhelming workload in the playoffs. He’s always had the ability but the execution end of the spectrum hasn’t been consistently reached.

At 24 years of age, Irving is already an NBA champion and three-time All-Star. He could add to both tallies if he continues to play like this.