The last thing the Cleveland Cavaliers need is an injury to their star rookie. Irving has looked impressive throughout the season, but his right knee is becoming a cause for concern. Irving suffered a hyperextended knee that caused him to miss three games last week. Now, it could cause him to miss the remainder of the season after reports surfaced that Cleveland would shut down their young star.
Irving has given Cavalier fans a reason to smile after the franchise had fallen hard times with the loss of LeBron James. The Cavaliers beat the Utah Jazz on Wednesday after an 8-0 run led by Irving, but it was his comments afterwards that sent fans into a panic. Irving told reporters that his recently injured knee was still bothering him and giving him pain while playing.
Head coach Byron Scott said Irving had originally told him his knee felt fine and that team doctors would reevaluate him and decide the bet plan of action for the remainder of the season. Irving said he would refuse to sit out the rest of the season, but he might not have a choice in the matter.
Irving is slowly establishing himself as the face of the franchise. In his first two seasons with the Cavaliers, he is averaging 20.8 points per game, playing 32 minutes a night. The Cavaliers could shut Irving down seeing as they have no chance at making the postseason. The team is currently 21-40, ranking 12th in the Eastern Conference standings. They are 10 games back from making the eighth spot in the playoffs.
Irving is showing slight signs of being injury prone. His ailing knee is becoming a problem over the past two seasons and in college. He suffered a torn ligament in his foot that sidelined him for over half his college career. In 2011 he broke his hand in practice and now his knee as him missing more time. Shutting him down might be in the best interest of the team and Irving if he wants long-term success. The Cavaliers could be intentionally throwing the rest of the season in an attempt to a higher lottery pick in this year's draft.
