Kyrie not ruling out surgery for lingering shoulder injury

It doesn't appear Kyrie Irving will be returning to the hardwood anytime soon.

Speaking with reporters for the first time in nearly two months on Saturday, the Brooklyn Nets point guard says he's "doing a lot better" while recovering from a lingering right shoulder impingement, but the veteran is still struggling to shoot jumpers and hasn't ruled out undergoing surgery.

"It's very unique because it's the first time I've ever had such a significant feeling in my shoulder where I'm going up to shoot jump shots and I can't really lift my shoulder to get up in that jump-shot position," Irving said.

"Now I'm just doing the best I can to live off of this cortisone and move forward if I need surgery in the future," Irving continued.

Irving added that he received the cortisone shot to hold off surgery, according to ESPN's Malika Andrews. There are no immediate plans for surgery, but the injury will continue to be evaluated.

The floor general last played on Nov. 14 against the Phoenix Suns, and he's missed 23 consecutive games since.

Irving says he suffered his injury 10 days prior to that against the New Orleans Pelicans when one of his shots was blocked. He ended up playing in four more contests with the ailment before being sidelined. Irving acknowledged he's visited multiple shoulder specialists to seek treatment options.

Spencer Dinwiddie has taken full advantage of starting point guard duties in Irving's absence, averaging a career-high 22.8 points per game along with 6.3 assists. After starting 4-7 with Irving leading the charge, Brooklyn has gone 12-10 without the former Duke standout.

The Nets currently hold a one-game cushion over the Orlando Magic for the Eastern Conference's seventh playoff spot.