NBA News: Cleveland Cavaliers expects Kyrie Irving to return before January

The Cleveland Cavaliers are expecting All-star point guard Kyrie Irving to be back in the team’s lineup “well before January.” Irving, who suffered a knee injury during game one of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in June, is recovering from a surgery to repair a fractured knee cap.

Irving’s status for the 2015-2016 NBA regular season is still uncertain as he recovers from knee surgery. However, according to Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com, the Cavs expects the Melbourne-born point guard to suit up with the team before the year ends.

“No one knows for sure, as Irving is recovering from surgery to repair a fractured knee cap. But the Cavs do expect him to play well before January,” Pluto wrote.

Pluto also revealed that the timetable for Irving’s return could still change once the Cavs begin its training camp. Initial reports suggested that the 23-year-old guard could be out until January.

Irving ranked No. 3 in average minutes per game last season with 36.4 minutes. The three-time All-star has a career average of 21.0 points and 5.7 assists per game.

However, CBS Sports suggested that Irving would play in a limited role for Cleveland even if he returns before January with a healthy knee. The report argued that the Cavs are not rushing the 6-foot-2 point guard’s return as the club is a lock to make the playoffs, with Lebron James leading the charge. The report also suggested that the most important matter is for Irving to be readily available come playoff time next year.

Cleveland already has potential alternatives for Irving. In July, the team signed Mo Williams, who could fill in the starting role for the Cavs. Aussie Matthew Dellavedova, also returning to the Cavs on a one-year deal, could serve as a replacement for Irving. Williams averaged 14 points last season and could take some of the scoring load off Irving in the backcourt.

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