Kyrie Irving's First Step

Kyrie is one of the best 1 on 1 players in the NBA, as shown by the recent championship run of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The couple of things that I noticed about his game out of the triple threat, was how effective his first step is and how he attacks the defenders body, initiating contact.  While other players' first step was often to the side, Kyrie's first step was always toward the basket.  

His second dribble was into the defenders body, and each subsequent dribble was trying to get in front of the defender and cut him off.  He even uses his off hand to shield off the defender, allowing him to beat him to the basket.

If the defender beat him to the spot, he has several counters which makes him even tougher to guard.  I tell my players all the time how important it is to have good counter moves, including the behind the back dribble and the spin move.