Cavaliers hopeful Kyrie Irving (knee) can return before January

The Cavaliers and Kyrie Irving are now reportedly optimistic for a return to the lineup by January.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Kyrie Irving remain optimistic that the point guard is rehabbing well and could return to the team before January, reports Cleveland.com's Terry Pluto.

“No one knows for sure, as Irving is recovering from surgery to repair a fractured knee cap,” Pluto reports. “But the Cavs do expect him to play well before January. Of course, that can change once they see him in training camp.”

The Cavaliers are expected to use Mo Williams and Matthew Dellavedova in Irving's absence. J.R. Smith could also see time at the shooting guard position with Irving out of the lineup.

Irving missed the last five games of the NBA Finals after fracturing his knee cap in a 108–100 Game 1 loss to the Golden State Warriors. He will miss the Cavaliers' season opener against the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 27. 

Irving underwent surgery in June and is expected to make a full recovery in three to four months.

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