Report: Kyrie Irving expected to make season debut Thursday vs. Thunder
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving plans to make his 2015-16 regular-season debut on Thursday night at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to a source of ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
Irving has been sidelined after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left kneecap he suffered during Game 1 of the 2015 NBA Finals.
The final step will require him to pass a series of physical tests - similar to those he took during last year's Eastern Conference Finals for knee tendinitis - before the Cavaliers make his return to the lineup official, a team source told McMenamin.
The organization has exhibited tremendous patience during Irving's rehabilitation, not forcing him back into action before knowing without a shadow of a doubt that he's as close to 100 percent as possible.
Irving - who has been "both mentally and physically" ready to compete for more than a week - has reportedly grown anxious in his attempts to convince the team he's well enough to play, especially after being cleared to take part in full-contact practices. For Cleveland, though, the end goal is a return to the NBA Finals in June with its roster at full strength.
The team has remained strong in the 23-year-old's absence, holding down the best record in the East at 16-7.
In 75 appearances last season for the Cavaliers, Irving averaged 21.7 points and 5.2 assists on 46.8 percent shooting, earning a spot on the All-NBA Third Team.
Related: Kyrie Irving's return should give LeBron some much-needed rest
His potential return could not come at a better time, as teammate Iman Shumpert suffered a groin injury in an 89-77 win over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, which may keep him out against the Thunder.