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Daily News - July 20, 2016

**NOTE: The news clips and articles listed don't necessarily reflect the views or beliefs of the Cleveland Cavaliers or their Basketball Operations staff, partners, or sponsors.**

Kyrie Irving: 'Having a chance for a gold in the Olympics is a dream come true'
Author: Chris Fedor
Publication: Cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After winning the NBA championship, something Kyrie Irving termed "the hardest thing" he's ever done, the Cleveland Cavaliers dazzling young point guard has his sights set on another piece of shiny hardware.

"Having a chance to go for a gold in the Olympics is a dream come true," Irving said following Tuesday's practice with Team USA. He made the comments during an appearance on NBA TV.

Irving picked up a gold medal at the 2014 FIBA World Championships. He was also named MVP and USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year. But this is different. It's his opportunity to play alongside the best players in the game, to represent his country at the Olympics where he will likely be a starter and one of the team leaders thanks to his international experience in 2014. - CLICK HERE to read full story.

Cavs are playing it smart with J.R. Smith's free agency -- Bud Shaw's Sports Spin
Author: Bud Shaw
Publication: Cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Think of NBA free agency as a game show.

Every time it's J.R. Smith's turn to get into the cash booth and collect what's swirling around, only the small bills (relatively speaking) are within his grasp.

Timofey Mozgov walked out with $64 million over four years, despite being an afterthought in the Cavs postseason run.

Bismack Biyombo either showed up big or disappeared for the Toronto Raptors in the playoffs but will go from making $3 million last season to a four-year, $72 million deal with Orlando. - CLICK HERE to read full story.

Cavs’ Irving happy to join foes for gold
Author: Sam Amico
Publication: AmicoHoops.net

Kyrie Irving has already had some fun at the expense of his United States Olympic basketball teammates.

Irving and the Cavaliers won the championship over the Warriors in June. Irving hit the NBA Finals’ biggest 3-pointer in Game 7.

Irving has yet to let anyone forget — at least about the championship part. The major three speaks for itself.

But any ribbing has been good-natured. - CLICK HERE to read full story.

Kyrie Irving on what drew him to Facetime with Kobe: “In terms of a mental approach… I’ll always go to Kobe”
Author: Kurt Helin
Publication: Pro Basketball Talk

LAS VEGAS — Kyrie Irving has had great mentors he trusts around him his entire basketball career. It started with his dad, who coached him for years. Then there was Mike Krzyzewski at Duke. There were pro’s pros in Cleveland such as Anderson Varejao. Now he’s playing next to LeBron James.

But throughout these latest playoffs, Irving was reaching out to Kobe Bryant — including Facetiming with him right after the Finals.

Why Kobe?

“In terms of a mental approach, as well as some technical stuff about the game, I’ll always go to Kobe, because he’s as polished as they come,” Irving told NBCSports.com, taking a break from shooting his latest ad for Kids Foot Locker, of which his is a primary spokesman. “If you’re talking about a who literally just physically imposed himself on the game every single day, and that mindset, oh I definitely going to talk Kobe.” - CLICK HERE to read full story.