The rehabilitation of Kyrie Irving from a fractured kneecap is going smoothly, but he is almost certainly not going to be ready for the Cleveland Cavaliers' opener on Oct. 27.

Irving could remain out until January.

Irving underwent surgery in early June with an expected recovery time of three to four months.

The Cavaliers want to bring him back slowly without risking a setback, with the goal of being at full strength entering the playoffs.