Kyrie Irving reportedly cleared for weight-bearing activities

The Cleveland Cavaliers have opened up their Eastern Conference title defense on a strong note, winning eight of their first nine games. Over the weekend, they got more good news with injured All-Star Kyrie Irving reportedly taking another major step in his rehab from a fractured left kneecap.

According to a report by Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com on Saturday, the electrifying 23-year-old has been cleared for intensive weight-bearing activities. This is said to mark a significant hurdle for Irving to clear in his recovery and from here, the Cavs’ training staff will slowly amp up the intensity of his leg-strengthening exercises. Haynes also reports that once Irving’s legs are deemed to be “equally strong,” he will receive clearance to practice with the team, at which point he will have to go through a week’s worth of full practices without setbacks before being allowed to make his season debut.

The former No. 1 overall pick has been out pf commission since suffering the injury in Game 1 of the NBA Finals last June, but Mo Williams has done an excellent job as a fill-in starter, averaging 16.9 points per game, 3.1 rebounds per game, and 5.2 assists per game on 49.5 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent from deep.

While Irving may have a long way to still go before making his return to the hardwood (early estimates put his timetable in January), and while the team definitely should not rush him back for the regular season, his impending return will be a huge boost for an already-dominant Cavs team.

Watch out, NBA. Uncle Drew is about to rise once again.

H/T Rotoworld