HoopsVibe

Kyrie Irving Breaks Hand, "Pulls an Amare"

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving has been in the press a lot lately.  Last week, Irving made headlines after challenging Kobe Bryant to a game of 1-on-1 after a Team USA training session, with the loser having to donate $50,000 to the winner's charity.

This week, however, the news of Irving wasn't so lighthearted. 

It has been reported that Irving broke his hand Saturday, after slapping a padded wall (aka "pulling an Amare) during a Cavs practice in Las Vegas.

Hoopsvibe's Quick Call:  A one-handed Irving has no chance of beating Kobe 1-on-1.

Irving, who traveled back to Cleveland on Sunday and was evaluated by team doctors today, will require surgery to repair his hand and is expected to miss two months.  While he should be ready in full health by the start of the upcoming season, it definitely is a setback for the Cavs as they prepare the lineup this summer.  In an effort to pair Irving with some serious talent in the backcourt, the Cavaliers drafted Syracuse's Dion Waiters 4th overall in the last month's draft. 

Now they will have to wait a few months before the two can practice with each other again.

"It just really alters all the plans we had this summer as far as summer league was concerned," said Cavs coach Byron Scott.  "That was Plan A.  We didn't have a Plan B going into this because you just never imagine that happening," Scott continued.

It will certainly be interesting to see the direction the Cavs go from here.

Irving had apparently been frustrated with himself after turning the ball over and reacted by slapping the wall.

"I am a little disappointed.  I have to be more responsible about my health.  It was just crazy.  It happened so fast," Irving said.

After being drafted #1 overall by the Cleveland in the 2011 NBA draft, Irving averaged 18.5 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game last season and won the NBA's Rookie of the Year award.  He got 117 out of 120 possible votes.

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Image source:  AP Images