Cleveland Cavaliers Roster News: Irving, Shumpert Return to Practice
The Cleveland Cavaliers are doing great to start the season, thanks to a healthy pair of LeBron James and Kevin Love. But David Blatt's team hasn't reached its potential yet due to an incomplete lineup, missing the services of point guard Kyrie Irving and backup guard Iman Shumpert.
The good news, though, is that both players are nearing their comebacks.
Irving and Shumpert were seen participating in practice for the first time this season on Monday, even if they only had a few minutes in the session. According to Blatt, the purpose of integrating them in the practice is to "gauge them in moderated fashion."
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It's not something to be really excited about, unless they'll show up in an actual game and contribute the way they're expected. However, it sure is welcoming news to see both guards to finally participate in contact drills. Irving currently is nursing a knee injury, while Shumpert is still rehabilitating an injured wrist.
There is optimism especially in Shumpert's case who went under the knife a few months ago and was projected to miss at least 12 weeks. But by the looks of it, he definitely is progressing faster than expected.
As for Irving, his return still has no timetable after fracturing his kneecap in Game 1 of last year's NBA Finals.
But the two are making progress in ways the team didn't expect. For Shumpert, he is now capable of shooting using his right hand without showing signs of pain. Irving, on the other hand, is also starting to take some jump shots without struggling with his knee. However, both of them are still days away from being cleared for full basketball activity.
But Cavs fans can't help but wonder if both players would be healthy enough to play for the team in their Finals matchup against the undefeated and reigning champs Golden State Warriors on Christmas day.
