The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night for their third win in a row and their 16-7 record right now is the best in the Eastern Conference. The most impressive thing about Cleveland's start is the fact that they have done it without Kyrie Irving who is arguably their second best player behind LeBron James. Irving has yet to appear in a game this season but he has reportedly been ready to return for about a week now yet the Cavaliers haven't let him play to this point, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Irving fractured his kneecap in the NBA Finals back in June and was initially given about a four month timeline for a return but it is eight months later and he still has yet to make his season debut. The Cavaliers have decided to take it extremely slow with Irving as they know they will be fine in the regular season without him but he has gotten antsy and wants to play. The timetables for Irving's return have been all over the place all season but the Cavaliers finally announced that he will officially make his debut on Thursday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While Irving is finally set to debut there are questions as to why it has taken this long because reports have suggested that he has been ready "both mentally and physically" for about a week. Head coach David Blatt has even said that Irving has looked really good in practice and looks ready to go yet the Cavaliers have been cautious to the maximum with their star point guard as they want to ensure his health for the stretch run of the season.
Irving has reportedly been pestering the coaching staff and front office recently in an effort to get back on the court as soon as possible. At one point Irving was described as "pissed off" by the fact that he wasn't being allowed to play but he has used the frustration to work even harder and to make sure he is at his absolute best when he does return to the court.
Regardless of the frustration Irving has dealt with so far this season the hope is that it will all be worth it in the end as the Cavaliers made it to the Finals last year with an unhealthy team but want to make sure their stars are available for a deep playoff run this year. Irving will debut on Thursday and it is scary to think what this Cavaliers team, which is already first in the East, will be able to do with a three time All-Star back in the lineup for the first time.
UPDATE: Irving may not be returning on Thursday after all as he tweeted when he does return you will hear it "directly from me."
Sorry to dwindle the news, but I won't be returning tmrw. It was wrongfully reported. When I do come back you'll hear it directly from me.
— Kyrie Irving (@KyrieIrving) December 16, 2015
