Irving

Every general manager, and every team official in every sport says the same thing before every draft: We’ll take the best player available — regardless of the team’s needs.

Of course, when you’re Billy King, the Nets’ general manager, and your team finished 24-58 last season, your team has plenty of needs. Therefore, the odds are “the best player available” when the Nets’ turn comes up at No. 27 overall in tonight’s NBA draft probably will fit one of those needs.

What do the Nets need? Well, with Kris Humphries being a free agent, there are zero power forwards on the current roster, so that would be a place to start. They also need a starting small forward, and, assuming the team doesn’t re-sign free agent Sasha Vujacic, they’d like to add some perimeter shooting as well.

With just eight players under contract, and a projected $18 million in salary cap room under the current collective bargaining agreement, King will look to fill some of his most pressing needs through free agency — whenever that begins. But if he spots a player in the draft he believes can come off the bench right away and contribute something, he’ll nab him — even if he has to trade up a few spots to do it.

• Kyrie Irving: Before NBA draft 2011, videos, photos and stories of his NJ HS career

• Kyrie Irving videos

• Mock NBA draft from the Star-Ledger

• Kyrie Irving, St. Patrick alum, is a No. 1 NBA Draft prospect thanks to keen work ethic, talent

• NBA Draft 2011: Lots more

And what of the Knicks, who pick at No 17?

Donnie Walsh will run one last draft for the Knicks before stepping down as GM, but he has done most of the heavy lifting already for the team in signing Amar’e Stoudemire as a free agent last summer and trading for Carmelo Anthony in February. Center and shooting guard are obvious holes in their roster, and maybe they could use a young point guard, too. And since they have no room under the current salary cap, they don’t figure to be a player in free agency, so the draft will be where they’re looking to improve their roster.

NETS

Needs: Power forward, small forward, perimeter shooting.

Players who may fit their needs:

Jordan Hamilton, 6-8 G/F, Texas. Classic jump shooter with good range, and can post up smaller players. Most likely won’t be there at 27, but if he slips into the 20s, King could look to trade up and get him.

Tyler Honeycutt, 6-8 G/F, UCLA. Athletic player who can not only shoot, but get to the basket, rebound and play defense — he led the Pac-10 in blocked shots.

Kenneth Faried, 6-8 F, Morehead State. Newark native broke Tim Duncan’s career record for rebounds, and impressed in NCAA Tourney. Likely won’t last till 27, but if he did, he’d be hard to turn down.

Jon Diebler, 6-6 G, Ohio State. Four-year player who hit 50.2 percent on his 3-point shots as a senior. Specialist could be taken in the second round and contribute off the bench.

Trey Thompkins, 6-10 F, Georgia. His 15 percent body fat measurement at the NBA Combine is a big reason he could fall to 27 – or even to the second round.

JaJuan Johnson, 6-10 F-C, Purdue. First team All American is an athletic big with a decent jumper who has the ability to score. But he’s apparently kind of soft, which is why he should be around at 27.

Jeremy Tyler, 6-10 F/C, Japan. One of the most intriguing players in the entire draft because he skipped senior year of high school to go overseas for two years. The first year, in Israel, didn’t go well, and the second year he played in a weak Japanese league. But he’s got an NBA body and could be a find for someone late in the first or early in the second round.

KNICKS

Needs: Center, shooting guard, point guard, perimeter shooting

Players who may fit their needs:

Gary A. Vasquez/US PresswireWashington State’s Klay Thompson dribbles during the Pac-10 tournament this year.

Klay Thompson, 6-7 G, Washington State. This pure shooter’s stock has risen so much that he is expected to get picked high and may be gone by the time the Knicks pick. If he’s there, he could be the next Danilo Gallinari.

Iman Shumpert, 6-6 G, Georgia Tech. Another whose stock has been rising, apparently. Not long ago, he was pegged as a second round pick, at best, in a draft filled with point guards. But with teams looking at him as a combo guard who can contribute off the bench, now it looks as if he could sneak into the first round.

Markief Morris, 6-10 F, Kansas. Defensive-minded twin brother of Marcus Morris could get picked in the top 10 or anywhere in the teens. Knicks could use a shotblocking big who can guard people one-on-one.

Nikola Vucevic, 6-11 F/C USC. He’s big (260 pounds), and he can shoot outside jumpshots (34.9 percent 3-pointers at USC last season). Likely could start at center right away.

Kenneth Faried, 6-8 F Morehead State. An energy guy who can defend and rebound and do all kinds of dirty work. Minor bonus would be getting a Newark kid, which would surely irk the Nets’ marketing folks.

Nolan Smith, 6-4 G, Duke. A point guard who can score? This is another guy the Nets would love to have, but who also might work for the Knicks.

For more Nets coverage, follow Colin Stephenson on Twitter at twitter.com/ledger_nets

1. Cleveland
Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
The St. Patrick of Elizabeth product will now carry the burden of becoming the first franchise player in Cleveland since LeBron James left.

2. Minnesota
Derrick Williams, PF, Arizona
Don’t be surprised if Minnesota deals this pick, but Williams is the player that other teams will covet in this spot.

3. Utah
Enes Kanter, C, Kentucky
Would the Nets have been better with Kanter or Brandon Knight and Derrick Favors than with Deron Williams? The Jazz can go either way with this selection.

4. Cleveland
Jonas Valanciunas, C, Lithuania
The Cavs might need to wait a season for Valanciunas, but they’ve already seen a Lithuanian import become an all-star.

• Kyrie Irving: Before NBA draft 2011, videos, photos and stories of his NJ HS career

• Kyrie Irving videos

• Kyrie Irving, St. Patrick alum, is a No. 1 NBA Draft prospect thanks to keen work ethic, talent

• NBA Draft 2011: Knicks’ and Nets’ needs

• NBA Draft 2011: Lots more

5. Toronto
Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky
This would be a dream scenario for Toronto, who would draft their point guard of the future if Knight does not go No. 3 to the Jazz.

6. Washington
Jan Vesely, PF, Czech Republic
Wizards fans will like the looks of Vesely in transition with John Wall, together wearing the throwback red,white and blue uniforms for years to come.

7. Sacramento
Jimmer Fredette, PG, BYU
Fredette will excite fans beleaguered by a potential move — if he can get the ball from Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins.

8. Detroit
Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State
The Pistons are preaching toughness, which Leonard can supply. He’s not a big man like they need, but he’s good value for a franchise without direction.

9. Charlotte
Chris Singleton, SF, Florida State
The Bobcats go with the draft’s top defender in a smart, safe pick that they’ve lacked in recent seasons.

10. Milwaukee
Alec Burks, SG, Colorado
This could easily be Klay Thompson, but Burks is the better athlete who supplies the Bucks with attributes they’re lacking on the wing.

11. Golden State
Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State
Thompson gives Golden State a shooter who, along with current point guard Stephan Curry, offers an NBA pedigree.

12. Utah
Kemba Walker, PG, UConn
If the Jazz do not go with Knight, Walker or Fredette would be sensible — and popular — consolation prizes.

Mark D Smith/US PresswireTexas’ Tristan Thompson slams during the Big 12 tournament this year.

13. Phoenix
Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
Once a burgeoning prospect at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, the Canadian native could add size and rebounding to countryman Steve Nash’s last attempts at winning with the Suns.

14. Houston
Bismack Biyombo, PF/C, Congo
The Rockets witnessed the development of Serge Ibaka in Oklahoma City. They’ll be smitten if this Congolese prospect is similar.

15. Indiana
Marcus Morris, PF, Kansas
The Pacers should be happy to come away with one of the Morris twins, both of whom can help in different ways.

16. Philadelphia
Nikola Vucevic, C, USC
The Sixers need size and Vucevic is a legitimate 7-footer who averaged a double-double in the Pac-10.

17. Knicks
Marshon Brooks, SG, Providence
Brooks can develop into a potent scorer at shooting guard, a spot in which the Knicks can use some firepower.

18. Washington
Jordan Hamilton, SF, Texas
If the Wizards go size with their first selection, Hamilton can provide a scoring wing to add to a promising young nucleus.

19. Charlotte
Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State
The Newark native will find a home in Charlotte, where his rebounding and toughness will be welcome additions to a team that lacks both.

20. Minnesota
Donatas Motiejunas, PF, Lithuania
Much depends on what the Timberwolves do with No. 2, but the team has looked abroad in the past and this is a good spot to do so again.

21. Portland
Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas
He’s different from his twin brother, although he’s exactly what the Blazers need to complement star LaMarcus Aldridge.

22. Denver
Tyler Honeycutt, G/F, UCLA
The Nuggets continue the post-’Melo era with another versatile player who can fill multiple positions.

23. Houston
Iman Shumpert, PG, Georgia Tech
Shumpert’s size (6-5) makes him a good fit with starter Kyle Lowry, who is coming off a strong season but barely cracks 6 feet.

24. Oklahoma City
Tobias Harris, F, Tennessee
The Thunder could go with an international prospect to stash overseas, but Harris would make sense for a team knocking on the door of the championship.

25. Boston
JaJuan Johnson, PF/C, Purdue
After four productive college seasons, Johnson can at least give the Celtics a component presence in the paint.

26. Dallas
Jeremy Tyler, C, Tokyo (via the United States)
Once a cautionary tale for immaturity in a young player, Tyler’s stock is rising and he will be a developmental prospect for the defending champs.

27. Nets
Reggie Jackson, G, Boston College
Jackson could thrive as a combo guard off the bench for the Nets to play with — and for — Deron Williams.

28. Chicago
Justin Harper, PF, Richmond
Harper will fit into the Bulls offense as a big man who can shoot, thus opening the floor for Derrick Rose.

29. San Antonio
Nikola Mirotic, SF, Serbia
The Spurs have benefited from drafting international players who develop overseas. Mirotic can become the latest example.

30. Chicago
Charles Jenkins, G, Hofstra
Best-case scenario is Jenkins’ scoring translates from college to the NBA, where the Bulls desperately need someone else who can create a shot.

Before his player-of-the-year banner hung inside the hollowed-out church where he played, there were nights when Kyrie Irving didn’t have anyone to practice against.

The bouncing ball echoed through St. Patrick High School’s worn cream-and-green walls, through the narrow hallway past the principal’s office, around the picture of Pope John Paul II and out onto Court Street. Surrounding him was little else but the three retired jerseys of the players he’d transferred there to be like — Shaheen Holloway, Al Harrington, Samuel Dalembert.

Kevin Boyle, Irving’s high school coach, said they used to keep the gym door open for certain kids whom they could trust shooting at night. Irving was one of them.

When desperate for a live defender, Irving would persuade the Rev. Justino Cornejo-Castillero, a Panamanian priest just out of seminary, to play against him.

“Poor Father Justino,” said Joe Picaro, the school’s principal.

Tonight, at the Prudential Center, he will likely join Shaquille O’Neal as the only New Jersey players selected No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft. It will mark the first time the event is held in Newark, 15 minutes from Irving’s old gym in Elizabeth.

But back then, Irving worked so hard because he had to. He was once overlooked here, a high-scoring underclassman at Montclair Kimberley considered the sixth-best sophomore in the state. As an upperclassman point guard at St. Pat’s, on any given night he may not have been thought of as the best player on his high school team.

For a time, he said he was hoping for any Division 1 scholarship, never mind Duke.

But between the transfer to St. Patrick and the accelerated rise to first-pick consideration at Duke, his legend expanded. Somewhere inside the basement courts at the Union County YM-YWHA and the backyard hoop in his own home, Irving forged a path to Garden State basketball history.

“It feels surreal knowing that last summer I was in the (Union) gym working out every single day,” Irving said. “Knowing that all that hard work is coming to fruition now and I’m achieving my dream, it’s an experience I’m going to remember for the rest of my life.”

Picaro admitted he did not know who Irving was at first. Drederick, Kyrie’s father, had to leave Picaro a handful of messages before they could get the transfer process in motion. Irving’s name, just like that of any other student wanting to attend St. Patrick High, was scribbled on a piece of printer paper in Picaro’s office.

But once his paperwork was finally processed, Picaro and athletic director Red Migliore went down to a summer league game at Linden High School to see the new kid play.

Floored by the slicing drives and mid-traffic passes, Migliore looked back at the principal and uttered a three-word phrase that men don’t take lightly when working inside a century-old stone chapel.

“Oh my God.”

SUMMER SCHOOLING

In the summertime, the basement of the Union YM-YWHA negates the theory that heat rises.

Like a restaurant kitchen, the air is dense. A healthy sweat develops in the 15 yards between the water fountain and the doorway.

Every summer in high school, Irving would be there from 2 to 6 p.m. His father played Division 1 basketball at Boston University and professionally in Australia and raised Kyrie alone after the boy’s mom, Elizabeth, died when he was 4. Eventually Drederick entrusted part of Irving’s development in Sandy Pyonin, his AAU coach who’s been working out of that same building since 1975.

• Kyrie Irving: Before NBA draft 2011, videos, photos and stories of his NJ HS career

• Kyrie Irving: NBA Draft 2011 buzz from around the web

• Kyrie Irving videos

• Mock NBA draft from the Star-Ledger

• NBA Draft 2011: Knicks’ and Nets’ needs

• NBA Draft 2011: Lots more

From the beginning of their training, which started in high school, he refused to treat Irving like a bubble-wrapped top prospect. They would play one-on-one full court. Irving would shoot 1,000 3-point jump shots. Pyonin would round up a handful of 14-year-olds to play him five-on-one.

During one session, Irving and Pyonin cracked skulls in a pickup game.

“His tooth hit my eyebrow and I had to go to the hospital and get stitches,” Irving said. “What Sandy won’t tell you is that his defense is, like, horrible.”

All this to help shed the last glimpses of what kept him under the radar. He had all the talent, the intangibles, the sixth sense to whiz a perfect pass in motion. He was now developing the killer instinct that would come to define him.

“We would think sometimes the guy is too nice,” said Chris Chavannes, Boyle’s replacement at Saint Patrick.

“At first, it looked like he would almost defer to the talent around him,” Boyle said.

Not for long.

Shortly before Irving left for Duke — a time when he shouldn’t have been on the court — Irving was still playing in that gym, running with Pyonin’s next group of players. Pyonin remembers hearing something, turning around and seeing the Blue Devils’ next golden boy hobbling toward the locker room.

He waited a few nervous minutes for Irving to return.

“He came back out and played five more games,” Pyonin said, laughing. “He was old school, though.”

DUKE TINKERS

Even now, after all the clues, the freeze-frame moments, the accolades, Irving’s circumstances still confound those who knew him.

Through his first eight games at Duke, he led the Blue Devils in scoring. Chris Collins, the team’s assistant coach who works with the guards, said the offense was tailored shortly after his arrival. His vision, his movement were just too perfect to keep things the same.

By early March, two separate scouts for teams with top-10 picks were positive Irving would go No. 1 overall.

That doesn’t mean the rapid rise wasn’t surprising to some.

“I just played with him two years ago,” said Derrick Gordon, a teammate at St. Patrick who starts at Western Kentucky in the fall. “I never thought it was going to be first round, first pick. That right there is amazing to me.”

For Irving, in New Jersey at least, his chapter ends with a fitting tribute.

Down the narrow hallway from the principal’s office, past the picture of Pope John Paul II, his uniform will hang on those cream-and-green walls.

Like Irving, the jersey will be as much a part of the atmosphere as the tireless echo of the bouncing ball through the old building.

“My life,” Irving said, “has been changing every single day.”

Hardcover, 240 pages | powerHouse Books | Comics & Graphic Novels; Art – Cartooning; Photography – Subjects & Themes | $35.00 | May 8, 2012 | 978-1-57687-591-9 (1-57687-591-1)

Some are mild mannered geeks, others mad geniuses or street-smart city dwellers driven to action. These are the men and women behind the masks and tights of America’s most beloved superheroes. But these aren’t the stories of the heroes’ hidden alter egos or secret identities…these are the stories of their creators! Leaping Tall Buildings: The Origins of American Comics gives you the truth about the history of the American comic book—straight from the revolutionary artists and writers behind them.

From the founders of the popular comics website Graphic NYC—writer Christopher Irving and photographer Seth Kushner—comes the firsthand accounts of the comic book’s story, from its birth in the late 1930s to its current renaissance on movie screens and digital readers everywhere. Kushner’s evocative photography captures the subjects that Irving profiles in a hard-hitting narrative style derived from personal interviews with the legends of the art, all of which is accompanied by examples of their work in the form of original art, sketches, and final panels and covers. The creators profiled include Captain America creator Joe Simon, Marvel guru Stan Lee, Mad magazine’s fold-out artist Al Jaffee, visionary illustrator Neal Adams (Batman), underground paragon Art Spiegelman (Maus), X-Men writer Chris Claremont, artist/writer/director Frank Miller (Sin City, 300), comic analyst Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics), American Splendor’s Harvey Pekar, painter Alex Ross (Kingdom Come), multitalented artist and designer Chris Ware (Acme Novelty Library), artist Jill Thompson (Sandman), and more.

Hardcover, 200 pages | powerHouse Books | Design – Fashion; Photography – Fashion | $60.00 | November 29, 2011 | 978-1-57687-586-5 (1-57687-586-5)

Dressed up like a million-dollar trouper/
Tryin’ hard to look like Gary Cooper/ Super duper
—“Puttin’ on the Ritz,” Irving Berlin (revised lyrics, 1946)

In 1946, when Irving Berlin revised the lyrics to his 1928 “Puttin’ on the Ritz” to include those memorable lines, Gary Cooper had been a star for over 15 years, and it would have been hard for most men to look as super duper. He conveyed a straightforwardness and an honest, American handsomeness that seemed to both ignore and rise above the contrived glamour and studied posturing that had characterized so many other film heroes of those early years. No matter what costume he put on, he looked like he owned it. The camera loved him, and so did the box office.

  But costume is one thing, and clothes are another. In his private life, and in those many early films where he wore contemporary clothes, he had devised and perfected his own debonair style that combined a perfectly tailored European wardrobe with all-American casual sportswear to produce the first, and still finest example of elegant, international, masculine style rooted in an American ideal of the everyman as hero. From the most casual sports clothing to the most formal white tie and tails, Cooper carried himself with uncontrived conviction.