NBA News: Kyrie Irving not yet ready to return

Kyrie Irving (Wikipedia)
Kyrie Irving (Wikipedia)
NEW YORK – Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving said Wednesday on Twitter he will not make his NBA season debut Thursday night in a home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

An ESPN report had said he would make the scene after final approval from doctors following a series of physical tests to measure his body’s response.

But Irving, who had surgery last June to repair a broken left kneecap suffered in the opening game of the NBA Finals, nixed that notion quickly.

”Sorry to dwindle the news, but I won’t be returning tmrw,” Irving tweeted. ”It was wrongfully reported. When I do come back you’ll hear it directly from me.”

The Cavaliers also play at home against Philadelphia, which has the NBA’s worst record at 1-25.

Irving, 23, has watched the Cavaliers open the season 16-7, the best record in the Eastern Conference. He was cleared for full contact workouts more than a week ago and has practiced with teammates with no setbacks.

Irving averaged 21.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists a game last season. (AFP)