Will Kyrie Irving Outshine Stephen Curry in 2016-17 NBA Season? Comparison, Game Stats and Projections
Warriors & Cavs Point Guards Pitted Against Each Other After Impressive Rio Games Performance
The comparison between two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry and US Men's National Basketball Team star player Kyrie Irving was re-ignited after the latter's impressive performance at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Some fans believe that the Cleveland Cavaliers point guard possesses serious talent to outshine the Golden State Warriors superstar in the 2016-17 NBA season.
Curry Versus Irving
On Wednesday, per NESN, Irving saved the Team USA from a huge upset by shooting a crucial three-pointer in the last 1:35 of the game against Australia. The heroic shot helped the team to widen the lead, ending the close match with a 98-88 win.
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Sportsrageous reported that Irving's clutch dagger immediately ignited comparison to Curry's style. Some basketball fans believed that Team USA would have lost in the match if it was Curry who took Irving's position in the Olympics.
Who's Better?
According to Sai Mohan of Fan Sided, Irving is set to outshine Curry in the next season. He stated that the 24-year-old point guard of the Cavaliers has already outplayed the 28-year-old MVP during last season's finals.
Mohan said that Irving was able to prove that he is a better overall scorer than Curry and completed the finals with a better offensive rating. He believed that Irving could average 30 points per game if the point guard will be granted with alpha male status.
Moreover, in terms of statistics, Curry is still way better than Irving because of his serious three-point shooting skills. The MVP recorded an impressive average of 30.1 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 79 games last season.
Early Predictions
Early forecasts for the 2016-17 NBA season favored Curry over Irving. Projections made by the ESPN forecast panel listed Curry among the top five NBA players who will most likely win the NBA MVP award. On the other hand, Irving did not make it to the list.
Moreover, SB Nation also predicted Curry to be one of the top three players who will vie for the 2016-17 NBA MVP honor. Just like ESPN's list, Irving was not included in the possible strong candidates for the prestigious individual award.
But Curry's health woes may allow him to be overtaken by Irving. Warrior head coach Steve Kerr recently admitted to CSN Bay Area that Curry did not do well in the last season's NBA finals because of the injuries he obtained during the playoffs.
There is still no official update about Curry's condition. However, based on his social media accounts, the reigning NBA MVP appeared to be in the verge of his preparations for the upcoming season.
