NBA DRAFT: Kyrie Irving the Right Pick for Cleveland?

The Cleveland Cavaliers appear intent on selecting Duke point guard Kyrie Irving with the number one overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Irving only played 11 games as a freshman in college after being sidelined for most of the season with a turf toe injury, so he has limited experience heading into the draft.

When Irving did play, he was an unselfish point guard, who looked to find teammates, but wouldn't hesitate to penetrate or take the outside shot. Irving proved that he has NBA range, and a good first step.

After he returned from injury last season he lacked the high-speed play that characterized his earlier style. The talk around college basketball circles was whether his drop off in production was due to lack of practice or if it was indicative of greater issues.

Irving is probably the most talented player in the draft, and as long as he remains healthy he should develop into a high-quality point guard.

The question is: can he take his game a step further and join the conversation with point guards like Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, and Deron Williams?

Though talented, it doesn't appear to have the explosive style of superstar NBA guards. However, what Irving lacks in overall talent, he makes up for with exceptional court vision and leadership-- a quality that is coveted by every NBA general manager.

Irving also has a knack for getting to the rim and finishing. Considering that he has solid range and the ability to create his own shot, Irving looks like he could thrive in the NBA.

Unless something changes drastically, the Cavaliers will likely take Irving with the first overall pick and hope he can help fill the void left by LeBron James's departure to the Miami Heat.

Unlike recent first picks, Irving is a major question mark because of his lack of experience, but his upside basically guarantees he won't be a bust.