Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after a play during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on December 30, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. AFP FILE
NEW YORK, United States — Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving said Wednesday on Twitter he will not make his NBA season debut Thursday night in a home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
An ESPN report had said he would make the scene after final approval from doctors following a series of physical tests to measure his body’s response.
But Irving, who had surgery last June to repair a broken left kneecap suffered in the opening game of the NBA Finals, nixed that notion quickly.
“Sorry to dwindle the news, but I won’t be returning tmrw,” Irving tweeted. “It was wrongfully reported. When I do come back you’ll hear it directly from me.”
The Cavaliers also play at home against Philadelphia, which has the NBA’s worst record at 1-25.
Irving, 23, has watched the Cavaliers open the season 16-7, the best record in the Eastern Conference. He was cleared for full contact workouts more than a week ago and has practiced with teammates with no setbacks.
Irving averaged 21.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists a game last season.