Kyrie Irving Injury & News Update: Cavs Point Guard Not Ready by NBA Opening night? Out Until January?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are practically complete for the coming season with Tristan Thompson being the lone player from the 2014-15 campaign yet to be signed.

Lebron James is back together with Kevin Love and the rest from last season plus a couple of new faces in Mo Williams, Richard Jefferson and Sasha Kaun.

The Cavs are expected to come out stronger and more cohesive with practically the same lineup but there is one vital player that could be out until January, 2016 – Kyrie Irving as reported by ESPN.

As many may recall, Irving busted his knee cap in the last NBA Finals that ended his stint prematurely. While the All Star guard did have surgery last June, the belief is that Irving may not be ready by the time the Cavs open their 2015-16 NBA campaign.

According to a report by Chris Haynes from Cleveland.com, the recovery time for Irving was estimated to be for about three to four months. Doing the match, it would look like Irving would be fit by opening night considering rehab was reportedly coming along smoothly.

But the thing is, the Cavs do not want to rush Irving back after surgery seeing that his presence will be needed more once the NBA playoffs come around in April. Of course, the Cavs are expected to at least make the post season and everyone knows the fortunes that befell the team last year.

With Irving likely to be brought in slowly, other players could be required to step up. Heading the list is of course Kevin Love who incidentally is coming of injury (right shoulder) as well.

As mentioned by Ken Berger of CBS Sports, The scenario gives Love the perfect chance to be James’ wingman, a role that seemingly dazed Love last season. Love was a bit confused on how he could embrace his new role since he was the superstar back in the days he was still with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Aside from Love, there is Mo Williams who will likely alternate with Matthew Delladedova at the guard spot. Williams is a tested veteran so his entry was pretty timely.

Delladedova showed everyone what he could do when Irving went down in the NBA Finals but the fact remains that there could still be chinks in his game that may need to be addressed. Experience will still be a factor so expect head coach David Blatt to do some experimenting on the point guard position.

James could easily pick that spot up, though the Cavs may want to preserve James for the tougher battles in the latter part of the season. Seeing how James was used extensively through the playoffs, looking out for his health is also important.

To cut it short, the Cavs will be looking to make sure that all their players are healthy enough come post season, the crucial stage where the stakes are higher and where they could get a shot at their first-ever NBA title.