Kyrie Irving was put on the spot by a young Cleveland Cavaliers fan, who's clearly had disappointment and dismay drilled into his brain for his entire life, at a preseason event for the team. The kid asked Irving, "Are you going to leave us like LeBron left us?"
The fact that it sounds like he's asking his stepdad if he's about to walk out on his mom like his real dad did tells you everything you need to know about being a young sports fan in Cleveland. It's kinda sad. Of course, Irving didn't have much choice but to say, "No, I won't leave. I'm not leaving," like any adult says to kids to make them feel better. But the truth is, neither Kyrie Irving nor Dan Gilbert have any idea who will be on the roster in three years when Irving's contract is up.
By then, there could be a new superteam forming like the Miami Heat in '10, and he might bounce to play with Kevin Durant and Nerlens Noel. The Cavs might not be able to pay Tristan Thompson, Anthony Bennett, Andrew Bynum and Irving in a few years. Hell, there might not even be a season in a few years, as another NBA lockout is expected in 2017.
Anyway, fun moment in Cleveland. Let's just hope it doesn't end in burning jerseys.
