Skip to content

Kyrie to seek 2nd opinion on lingering knee issue

Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving will seek a second opinion on his nagging left knee injury sometime this week, Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters Tuesday night.

Stevens said Irving likely won't travel with the team on its upcoming four-game road trip, but added that it's possible he'll join them at some point along the way.

Irving has sat out the Celtics' last three games to nurse the injury - which has been described only as soreness - but has reportedly seen a lack of progress. There is no structural damage in his knee, however, and the Celtics believe rest remains the best remedy, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

"That knee has been sore," Stevens said. "But he's worked really hard to manage it throughout the entire season, and I think he's had some pretty good days recently, so I'm encouraged by it in the big picture."

Irving's left knee has bothered him since he fractured the kneecap in it during Game 1 of the 2015 NBA Finals as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. As he attempted to dribble past Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, Irving fell to the court and then limped to the locker room.

He underwent surgery, and didn't return until two months into the 2015-16 season.

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge conceded last week the 25-year-old could require another procedure sometime in the near future.

Stevens said he hasn't heard anything to that effect, or anything to suggest Irving won't be back this season.

"It's not new pain by any means," Stevens said. "It's not anything new, just continued soreness."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox