The Cleveland Cavaliers could be without the services of point guard Kyrie Irving until the new year.

Chris Haynes of The Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports that the team is being cautious with the three-time All-Star's recovery from a left kneecap fracture incurred in Game 1 of June's NBA Finals and that could delay his return until January.

When the injury occurred, a three-to-four month recovery time was given for the 23-year-old. Though his rehab is going well, Irving will not be rushed back by David Blatt's team and isn't expected to be ready for the Eastern Conference champions' first game of the season, October 27 against the Chicago Bulls.

"I'm honestly not putting a date on anything," Irving said in July. "People are going to put a date regardless. I'm just continuing to be on the journey I've been on, and that's continuing to get better every single day and rehabbing my leg."

The Cavs brought back Mo Williams, who previously spent three seasons with the Cavs from 2008 to 2011, and the 32-year-old will likely start in the backcourt while Irving is out.