Kyrie Irving is Cleveland Cavaliers' hero. Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cavs, three years after a painful separation from then franchise-player LeBron James saw hope in their current line-up especially the former first pick, Kyrie Irving.

The owner said before the opening game that was won by his team, after defeating a star-packed line-up of the Brooklyn Nets, that he is confident with the current team that can be a championship team.

"It's still a little bit early, but we feel good about Kyrie being here for his entire career," Gilbert said. "We think we set up an environment and a culture that is conducive to him being not only an All-Star but hopefully the leader of our championship-contending team."

"I think there's been a lot of growth in Kyrie," the team owner said. "He's still very, very young. Believe it or not, Kyrie is 21 years old. It's hard to imagine all these guys are just 21. He's a special player. I don't even think we've seen near the upside where Kyrie Irving could be. I think Mike Brown is going to really be helpful to him."

Kyrie was the first overall pick of the 2011 NBA draft and averages 20.6 points per game. The Cavs got first pick again in 2013 picking Anthony Bennett that strengthened their line-up.

"Seeing Kyrie on the other side of the floor excel to add to his offensive skills is going to be critical for that kind of thing (championship) to happen," the 51-year old said. "We feel very fortunate, and we're lucky that the lottery ball fell a couple years ago. He's a very, very critical part of our franchise evolution."

Expectations for Cleveland this season are higher with a more complete line-up including a first overall pick from the draft and a newly acquired Andrew Bynum.

"That was a feel we had all summer, even at the practice facility. It's one of the years where talent's evolved and we picked up some players and we have a defensive-minded coaching staff. Expectations are higher, not only for us, but the fans - as they should be."

Bynum who was acquired from the Sixers, after not playing for one whole season, suited in yesterday's game. Teammates said that he may not have played a lot of minutes but they surely felt his presence, which helped them play better.

"It's a big body out there blocking shots," Irving and Bynum's teammate, Dion Waiters said. "He changed the game. He changed the momentum. I'm just glad he's back out there doing what he loves to do."

The Cavs defeated the Nets 98-94 with Irving recording 15 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in the game.