Kyrie Irving during media availability for the 2015 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena on June 10, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement.

The Cavaliers long wait for Kyrie Irving to return seemed to be over Wednesday, as reports surfaced across the internet that the All-Star point guard would make his return on Thursday when the Cavaliers are set to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Irving refuted these reports Wednesday right before noon eastern time with this tweet:

Irving saw limited time against the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs last season until ultimately suffering a fractured left kneecap that kept him out of the last five games of the NBA Finals last season.

This photo was taken of Irving by McMenamin just a few days ago after reports began to surface that he would return for the Cavaliers upcoming road stretch:

Despite his absence, the Cavaliers have been able to get off to a 16-7 start on the season, good for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. It appears that although Irving isn’t returning Thursday night, the Cavaliers certainly hope to have him back in time for their Christmas day showdown with the Golden State Warriors.

Iman Shumpert, who just recently made his return to the team, suffered a right groin injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the Cavs game against the Celtics. The hope was that with the pair of players back in time for Christmas, the Cavaliers would be able to put their best foot forward in trying to knock off the league’s best team, but if the defensive stopper Shumpert isn’t available, it’s definitely a detriment to Cleveland.

Either way, fans of the Cavaliers should feel great that Irving is nearing his return. Many in Cleveland felt that if the Cavaliers had him during the Finals, the outcome may have been different. But to get him back at this point in the season should give a Cavaliers team that has been doing well a great boost, and will help the Cavaliers start another run towards that coveted Larry O’Brien trophy.

About Harry Lyles Jr.

Harry Lyles Jr. is an Atlanta-based writer, and a Georgia State University graduate.