Report: Cavs' Kyrie Irving (knee) likely won't be ready for season opener

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving's knee injury could keep him out until January.

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving's knee injury could keep him out through the team's season opener, ThePlain Dealer reports. 

Irving missed the last five games of the NBA Finals with a fractured knee cap after sustaining the injury in a 108–100 Game 1 loss to the Golden State Warriors, and he will likely be absent from the Cavaliers' starting lineup on opening night against the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 27. 

Irving underwent surgery in June. His expected recovery time following surgery was 3–4 months. 

The Plain Dealer reports that Irving's rehabilitation is going well, but that he is not being rushed. The Cavaliers are now anticipating a longer absence for Irving in order to allow his knee to regain full strength, with one source telling The Plain Dealer that Irving could potentially sit out until January. 

Irving averaged 21.7 points and 5.2 assists last season. 

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​- Xandria James