The Cleveland Cavaliers are dealing with a lot of injured players as training camp starts to creep up on them. Cleveland has four players coming off surgeries including Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, Timofey Mozgov and Anderson Varejao but the good news is that all four of them are expected to be involved in training camp in some capacity, according to Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group.
Kyrie Irving fractured his kneecap in the NBA Finals last season and is working his way back from that. There have been conflicting reports about when he might return including one where he may sit out until January but Irving has refused to give a timetable for his return. The point guard is expected to be active during camp on a limited basis but he has not given any updates on what type of on-court work he has been doing.
Kevin Love dislocated his shoulder during the Cavaliers' first round playoff series against the Boston Celtics and required surgery. Love has been a little bit more forthcoming about his recovery from injury as he has said he is doing non-contact drills at this point. About two weeks ago Love said he was a month and a half away from returning which would put him on pace for the start of the season. The expectation all along has been that Love would be healthy to start the year but the Cavs will likely limit his minutes early on.
Timofey Mozgov was not forced to miss any time last year with his injury but he had his knee scoped this offseason. Mozgov decided to not play with the Russian National team this summer so that he could let the knee heal. Mozgov's summer of rest should put him on pace to be full go in training camp without any restrictions.
Anderson Varejao suffered a torn Achilles during last season and was only able to play in 26 games for the Cavaliers. Varejao's injury was one of the main reasons for the acquisition of Mozgov but now Varejao is expected to be the backup center this season. Varejao injured the leg in December but he has reportedly been jumping and dunking off the injured leg and is expected to also have no restrictions entering training camp.
