Cavaliers star Irving reportedly could be out until January

Kyrie Irving was initially slated to miss three to four months after undergoing knee surgery in early June, but it appears the Cleveland Cavaliers will be taking a more cautious approach for the three-time All-Star.

Though his recovery from a broken kneecap is said to be going smoothly, there's a slim chance Cavaliers point guard will be ready for opening night against the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 27 — and may not play until January, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Thursday.

Irving, who is preparing to enter his fifth season in the NBA, has yet to play a full season. He played in a career-high 75 games last season, helping the Cavaliers to the No. 2 seed in the East.

"I'm honestly not putting a date on anything," Irving told reporters July at his basketball camp. "People are going to put a date regardless. I'm just continuing to be on the journey I've been on, and that's continuing to get better every single day and rehabbing my leg."