In Game 1 of the 2015 NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving broke his left kneecap (that the Cavaliers won the next two games without him was a testament to LeBron James’ greatness). As part of the surgery to repair Irving’s knee, pins were inserted to aid in the stabilization, a common medical procedure.
Those pins may be what is causing Irving’s knee issues now, which have kept him out for four games with more to come and no definitive timeline for his return. From long-time Boston reporter/radio host Tony Massarotti of 98.5 The Sports Hub.
My understanding is that Kyrie Irving is getting a 2nd opinion on his left knee, perhaps as soon as tomorrow. Bottom line: he needs the screws out. Knee is flaring up. He will either play thru it going forward or ... he will get thee screws out and won't play at all. Stay tuned.
— Tony Massarotti (@TonyMassarotti) March 20, 2018
While this has not been confirmed by other sources, Massarotti posted this before others “broke” the news of Irving getting a second opinion on his sore left knee, which is not recovering as fast as hoped (something Brad Stevens later confirmed). That gives this report some validity, as does the fact Celtics’ GM Danny Ainge has said Irving would eventually need surgery on that left knee again. Plus, this just makes sense logically — pins becoming an irritant in a surgically repaired area is relatively common.
If true, my guess — and this is just speculation — is that Irving will try to play through it during the playoffs then get the surgery in the off-season. The team may push for surgery sooner rather than later (especially depending upon the recovery time and risk of further damage).
Whatever the decision, the hope in Boston is to have Irving, Gordon Hayward, Marcus Smart, and Daniel Theis — all currently out injured (with only Irving and, maybe by the second round Smart, back for the playoffs) — and be poised them to make a run deep into the postseason then. This season, with all the health issues, the odds seem long for a run into June.