David Blatt on Kyrie Irving: ‘Progress Has Been Slow’

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt isn’t as confident about his All-Star point guard’s health going into the NBA Finals as Kyrie Irving appears to be.

Blatt concedes that progress has been slow when it comes to the nagging tendinitis in Irving’s left knee.

Kyrie, for what it’s worth, says he’ll be ready to go for Game 1 Thursday night.

Per the Akron Beacon Journal:

Kyrie Irving’s left knee continues to progress, but he won’t be 100 percent when the Cavs open the NBA Finals at the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night “unless something miraculous happens,” Irving said.

 

“Progress has been slow,” coach David Blatt conceded, although he declined to characterize Irving as having a setback with the knee in recent days. “He’s not out of the woods entirely … He’s playing through it and has been doing a great job.” […] Irving was held out of parts of practice again Monday, the team’s final workout before flying to the Bay Area on Tuesday. He has been battling left knee tendinitis throughout this postseason, although Irving confirmed Monday the right foot injury – which triggered the knee tendinitis – is no longer an issue.

 


“These days are very, very important for me, especially going to the Finals I want to feel as close to my old self as I could,” Irving said. “Preparing for a great team like that you need as many days as you can.”