As reported numerous times, Cavaliers G Kyrie Irving has requested a trade. Irving reportedly wants to be a number one guy elsewhere. In addition, we don’t know what LeBron James might do next summer(James can become a free agent).
Because of the uncertainty with James, and Irving’s desire to have a bigger role, Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen thinks what Irving is doing is not a bad thing. Pippen had this to say on Friday’s edition of ESPN’s The Jump.
“I am a very strong supporter of what he’s doing because I’ve watched what has happened to him in his career and how things went for him in Cleveland, and I think he’s at a superstar level now that he can control his own destiny,” Pippen said.
Pippen thinks Kyrie might be trying to get out of Cleveland before LeBron does:
“I think it’s the perfect timing. Cleveland didn’t win a championship, they were right there, but there’s been a lot of things going on within that organization. LeBron (James) doesn’t give those guys the security that they need, that ‘the superstar is gonna be there and he’s gonna support us.’ And I see Kyrie looking at the opportunity to run before LeBron runs, because there’s a lot of chatter out there that LeBron’s coming to play with the Lakers,” Pippen said.
You can’t argue with what Kyrie is doing. Who knows what LeBron is going to do next summer. However, I don’t think Irving is a superstar. Furthermore, I don’t know if a team led by Irving is good enough to win NBA titles. Just like I don’t think Pippen was good enough to win titles without Jordan.
Some players are meant to the number one guys, and some players are meant to be number two guys. Irving and Pippen are number two guys!
