Healthy Irving happy to get back

Associated Press

INDEPENDENCE

Posing with his arms folded across his chest, Kyrie Irving waited for instructions from another photographer.

He was asked to smile.

“You don’t have to force me to smile,” Irving said before beaming.

Healthy and happy, the NBA’s reigning rookie of the year is ready for his second season.

Irving, who broke his right hand this summer in a moment of frustration during practice, was the center of attention Monday as the Cleveland Cavaliers held their media day, an annual preseason ritual of redundant interviews and photo opportunities that precede the opening of training camp.

Irving said his hand has completely recovered, and the 20-year-old even joked that the injury has made him a better player.

“My left-hand floater is something serious right now,” he said. “I can actually tie my shoe with one hand. My right hand, I’m 110 percent. No problems.”

That’s welcomed news for the Cavs, who endured numerous injuries while going 21-45 last season. Irving was one of the club’s only bright spots as the No. 1 overall draft pick joined Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, Allen Iverson and LeBron James as the only top picks to average 18 points and five assists in their first season.

Irving was sensational. Cavs coach Byron Scott believes his young point guard can do even more.

“I expect him to build off that,” Scott said. “I expect him to be better than he was last year. I think Kyrie is going to have a breakout season.”