Cavaliers guard Irving says he's not ready for return
CLEVELAND (AP) Kyrie Irving's return date remains a mystery.
The All-Star point guard, who has missed Cleveland's first 23 games recovering from a broken kneecap sustained in the NBA Finals, said Wednesday that he won't be playing Thursday night against Oklahoma City.
Irving traveled with the Cavs on their road trip to Orlando and Boston, but didn't play despite coach David Blatt saying last week there was a possibility he would be back on the floor.
After a report surfaced saying Irving would make his season debut against the Thunder, Irving went on Twitter to say it was false.
''Sorry to dwindle the news, but I won't be returning tmrw,'' Irving posted on (at)KyrieIrving. ''It was wrongfully reported. When I do come back you'll hear it directly from me.''
Cavs coach David Blatt said Tuesday in Boston that the team will continue to ''err on the side of caution'' with Irving, who has progressed to full-contact practices.
After hosting the Thunder, the Cavs will play Philadelphia on Sunday.
Cavs guard Iman Shumpert, who recently returned from wrist surgery, left Tuesday's win in the second half with a groin injury. His status for Thursday is not yet known.
Shumpert was only playing in his second game since returning after injuring his wrist before training camp. Shumpert played through a groin injury during last season's playoffs and finals.
