Kyrie Irving Injury: Updates on Cavaliers Star's Recovery from Knee Surgery

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving may not return to the lineup until January as the team takes a conservative approach with his recovery from knee surgery. 

Continue for updates.

---

Griffin Comments on Irving's Status for Training Camp

Monday, Sept. 28

Cavaliers general manager David Griffin revealed during media day that there is currently no timetable for Irving's return, but he expected him to participate in training camp, per Jason Lloyd of Ohio.com.

---

Irving Comments on Recovery 

Thursday, Sept. 17

Irving provided an update for fans when asked how his rehab from knee surgery was coming but refused to put a timetable on a potential return, per the Associated Press (via Fox Sports):

"

I'm feeling great. I'm taking my time with it. Obviously, it was a terrible injury but thank God I had the summer to start rehabbing and I'm definitely progressing in the right way. Whatever my timeline is, it'll be for the betterment of the team and for us to also compete for a world championship at the end of the season.

"

He also didn't say much when asked about what exactly he's doing during training: ''We're going to keep most of the things in house as far as what's going on."

The Cavaliers have serious NBA title hopes for the 2015-16 season, which is why this could be a devastating setback. Irving, who underwent surgery on his fractured kneecap in June, was initially expected to miss three to four months.

That would have put him back in the lineup around October, possibly in time for the start of the regular season. In recent weeks, however, Irving and the team have been quick to pump the brakes on that type of talk. 

"I'm honestly not putting a date on anything," Irving said in July, per Haynes. "People are going to put a date regardless. I'm just continuing to be on the journey I've been on, and that's continuing to get better every single day and rehabbing my leg."

---

How Irving's Injury Could Affect Cavaliers in 2015-16

The superstar point guard thrived alongside LeBron James during the 2014-15 campaign and averaged 21.7 points and 5.2 assists a night behind 41.5 percent shooting from three-point range. His presence as a dangerous second offensive option took pressure off James and punished defenses for focusing too much attention on No. 23.

What's more, Irving is among the best ball-handlers in the league and consistently creates open looks for himself and his teammates. He also keeps the offense flowing when James needs a rest.

Unfortunately, Cleveland fans experienced life without a fully healthy Irving during the NBA Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors and may have to again with this latest development.

Mike Foss of USA Today pointed out how critical the lingering injuries proved to be last season.

"LeBron can't beat the Warriors on his own," Foss wrote. "He can make it close, he might even get a lead or two, but when games are on the line and defenses are keyed in on James, there must be someone who can shoulder the burden of a single basket."

While Irving's health problems were magnified against the talented Warriors, the Cavaliers at least have the pieces in place to survive this setback in the short term.

Iman Shumpert, Matthew Dellavedova and Mo Williams will likely be asked to shoulder more of the load in the backcourt during Irving's absence.

Williams provides a veteran presence who can fill the outside shooting void while Irving is out, Dellavedova brings an occasional offensive spark and is a solid defender, and Shumpert is more than capable of taking some of Irving's potential defensive responsibilities.

While all are solid options and a testament to Cleveland's depth, none of them can replicate the star power Irving brings to the court.

A healthy Kevin Love will certainly help this time around (which Cleveland didn't have in the Finals), and James is still the best player in the world, but it is difficult to envision the Cavaliers cashing in on their championship aspirations against a strong team from the West without Irving back on the floor at full strength.