Cavaliers PG Kyrie Irving close to a return

Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star guard Kyrie Irving is nearing a return to action after being fully cleared to resume practicing on Thursday.

Irving suffered a broken left kneecap in Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors last June. He had been practicing on an individual basis in recent weeks.

Irving hasn't revealed a target date for his return but speculation persists he's aiming for the Christmas Day game against the Warriors.

The three-time All-Star declined to speak with reporters after Thursday's practice.

Guard Iman Shumpert (wrist) also returned to practice as Cleveland moves closer to having its full roster.

"Every day I'm watching them making progress and we're being very cautious and conscientious about keeping them within their limits and not rushing them back," Cavaliers coach David Blatt told reporters. "But they are both working hard and well and they are making progress. Exactly when they're going to return I just can't say because I don't know. Not yet."