Kyrie Irving's health still a question mark heading into NBA Finals
OAKLAND – Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving might not be 100% for the NBA Finals, and that's just the way it's going to be for the three-time All-Star.
"I'm just asked all the time whether it be the regular person walking around in Cleveland or someone here in San Francisco. I'm walking down the street and they ask me how's my knee doing," Irving said. "I'm like, 'I'm fine. Thank you. My knee is OK.' It's like 'Are you playing Game 1?' I'm like, 'Yeah, I'll be playing.' It's an adjustment, but it's what it is at this point. But I'm just going to go out there and will myself to play."
Irving is bothered by a strained right foot and tendinitis in his left knee, and the tendinitis is probably giving Irving more problems at this point. Tendinitis can be difficult to eliminate especially without an elongated period of rest and little activity.
Since May 14, Irving has played in just two games and has played just once in the past two weeks. He missed two games of four games against the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference finals and missed most of the final three quarters in Game 6 against the Chicago Bulls in the conference semifinals.
"Preparation wise, and game wise, playing, not playing, number of minutes, ability to perform at the level he normally does, and most importantly for him to be able to function without furthering injury, those are things that are constantly under consideration, and constantly on our minds as a staff and as a team. It's made it difficult." Cavs coach David Blatt said.
He traveled to Florida to see renowned orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews before Game 2 against the Hawks and the tendinitis diagnosis was confirmed. Irving was put on a treatment plan, agreed upon by Andrews and Cavs team doctor Richard Parker.
Irving played 22 minutes in Game 4 against the Hawks and scored 16 points on 6-for-11 shooting. He got to the basket a few times and made two three-pointers. But he didn't have that explosion and quickness.
"Just taking the necessary days," Irving said. "Getting my body prepared to play Game 1. Being with our medical staff, and just trying to do whatever I can to be prepared for Game 1."
For the Cavs to have their best chance of winning the championship, Irving needs be close to 100% rather than the 60%-70% he was at times during the conference finals and semifinals.
"It's definitely tough because obviously mentally and physically you want to be in line," Irving said. "It's just like some of the things I'm thinking about doing mentally, you know, your body just kind of stops and you catch yourself a little bit sometimes. You've got to get off the ball. But for me, it's just about finding my spots and seeing where I could be more effective out there for my teammates."
Said LeBron James: "Whatever he can give us, it's going to be great for our team. Kyrie at 50%, Kyrie at 60%, Kyrie at 70% is better than Kyrie at zero. His presence on the floor. When that No. 2 Irving steps onto the court, he's a presence. And the defense has to be aware of him, has to account for him just because of his abilities to make plays."