"I'm back."
Those were the two words the Australian-born NBA superstar Kyrie Irving had for his fans as he finally confirmed a return to action for Cleveland in Monday's (AEST) match against Philadelphia.
The Cavaliers point guard hasn't played since fracturing his kneecap in game one of last season's finals series loss to the Golden State Warriors six months ago.
"I'm pretty f-ing excited to be back out there with my brothers," Irving told reporters on Sunday.
"I've been ready to play, but biomechanically we just wanted to make sure everything was good so I wouldn't put myself at risk."
Irving's return is likely to affect the playing time of fellow Aussie Matthew Dellavedova, who has done a stellar job in his absence, helping the Cavaliers to the top of the eastern conference with a 17-7 record.
Playing in all 23 games so far this season, Dellavedova is averaging nine points, six assists and almost three rebounds in over 28 minutes a match - all career-high numbers.
The Maryborough native is set to revert to a bench role but should still be a part of coach David Blatt's rotation as they ease Irving back to game shape.
A minor injury to combo guard Mo Williams will also mean more minutes.
"There's nothing that's going to recreate the game environment," Irving said after completing a full practice on Sunday.
"That first game, obviously nerves are high, going up and down for the first time in six months in an uncontrolled environment ... it'll take an adjustment period. But it's nothing I can't handle."
Philadelphia, coached by Australian and former Boomers mentor Brett Brown, is rooted at the bottom of the eastern conference with an NBA-worst 1-27 record.
The long-term future of Brown, who signed a two-year extension with the 76ers just last week, is under a cloud after the recent appointment of veteran NBA coach Mike D'Antoni as head assistant.
Share
