Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving (10) is thriving while playing for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup of Basketball.

(Kathy Willens, Associated Press)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It was April 17, 2014; the day after the Cleveland Cavaliers finished the season. The Cavs had just beaten the Brooklyn Nets, 114-85, giving the crowd at Fan Appreciation Night a reason to celebrate after a season dotted with frustration, hollow proclamations and more changes.

A few months earlier General Manager Chris Grant was fired, paving the way for David Griffin to take over. As the team was set to embark on a critical summer, little was certain.

Head coach Mike Brown was on the hot seat despite arriving just one year earlier. The team had to decide whether Griffin would stay as GM.

This was all going on as the Cavs were preparing their plan for free agency, with LeBron James likely to be at the center of the loaded class.

An important summer was also on the horizon for Kyrie Irving. The reigning All-Star MVP was forced to answer questions about his leadership, defense, a dip in stats and an unimpressive win-loss record. He became the target of criticism, something that comes with the territory of being a franchise's face. He was labeled a "coach killer" by some. Others called him "overrated." Some of the biggest detractors pointed to unfavorable analytics.

His frustrating season even featured a spat with Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon on Twitter after Gordon made comments about a supposed rift between Irving and backcourt mate Dion Waiters. Rumors hinted at a desire to leave Cleveland. His attempted refutes on social media didn't satisfy a fan base suffering through its fourth straight losing season.

The Cavs had to decide whether the one-time franchise building block was worthy of a maximum contract extension. The young point guard had to figure out if he would accept. Irving said all the right things, but the upcoming summer was the first time he would be allowed to back up those words and commit to the franchise.

That day, the players cleaned out their stuff, wrapped up interviews with members of the front office and left.

"I finished the season strong, we all finished the season strong with one another, and it's a brotherhood here," Irving told the assembled media that day. "That's the only thing I'm worried about – taking my game to the next level with my teammates."

Some players went to summer league. Others went to hone their craft elsewhere or took a brief vacation, escaping from basketball. The summer schedule is different for everyone, but Irving's featured an opportunity to play for Team USA.

His spot on the roster, however, was far from a guarantee.

A few months later, Irving, with his future in Cleveland solidified thanks to a five-year extension, flew to Las Vegas for tryouts with USA Basketball. He was surrounded by some of the NBA's biggest stars and was part of a talent-rich group of point guards. Derrick Rose, who boasted valuable experience on the National Team, was likely to get a spot -- provided his cranky knees would cooperate. Golden State's Stephen Curry was considered a lock because of his lethal shooting stroke. That left one spot for either Irving, Washington's John Wall, who was coming off a breakout season, or Portland All-Star Damian Lillard.

Irving's memorable summer continued as he made the team. Since then, he has spent his time gaining valuable experience playing overseas at the FIBA World Cup of Basketball.

"Kyrie Irving's getting the most important game action of his life right now," Griffin said following a press conference to introduce Kevin Love on Aug. 26. "He's getting better literally every day. He showed up trying to make that team and he appears to be at least the part-time starter now. He's earning his stripes when it matters. It's going to be enormously valuable to us."

Griffin knows the importance of playing for Team USA. Not only is it a chance to play for the country and win a gold medal, but Irving is playing in pressure-packed games for the first time since the 2011 NCAA Tournament. He's coached by some of basketball's best teachers and is practicing against some of the league's best.

An one-time unclear role has turned into a starting gig and Irving is thriving, averaging 10.7 points, 3.6 assists and 2.3 steals while shooting 52 percent in three games.

NBA players in the past have used the Team USA experience as a springboard for the upcoming season, and Irving looks poised to do the same.

Back in 2010, Rose, 22 at the time, parlayed a strong campaign on the FIBA stage into an MVP season. That year, he looked ready to challenge James for the title of NBA's best player before injuries robbed him of two full seasons and left many questioning whether he can regain his superstar form.

It's the same experience that led to a breakout season for Russell Westbrook. In his first two seasons, Westbrook's high in points was 16.1 while shooting 41 percent. Like Rose, he got the invite to participate on the world stage and came back a different player. The following season he averaged 21.9 points while dishing out career-high 8.2 assists and was named to the All-NBA Second Team.

The same thing happened to Kevin Love, who became the NBA's Most Improved Player, and Tyson Chandler, who became Dallas' anchor on defense, helping it win the NBA title after competing for the Stars and Stripes.

James Harden was Oklahoma City's sixth man when he got a Team USA call during the summer of 2012. He had averaged 16.8 points and 3.7 assists the season before. After helping the U.S. bring the gold back from London, he was traded to Houston and catapulted to a career year, averaging 25.9 points.

It's possible that all these things could've happened naturally. It could all be a coincidence. But playing against the game's elite and matching up with them in practice brings out the best in guys.

It's happened before and it may happen again. Perhaps as soon as this season.

Irving's off-season started on April 17, as the No. 1 option on a lottery staple. Now, after a contract extension and the arrivals of James and Love, his role has changed. But so, too, has his attitude and game.

There's no amount of work in an empty gym that can lead to the experience Irving is gaining this summer. Thanks to his stint with Team USA, he is ready to make the same leap that others have.

It's right on time, as the Cavs are months away from starting their championship journey.