NBA news: Boston Celtics fans given Kyrie Irving injury update
BOSTON CELTICS star Kyrie Irving looks ready for the 2018/19 NBA season after footage emerged of him competing in a five-on-five scrimmage.
NBA coach Irv Roland trains with Miami Heat players
The point-guard last played an NBA game back in March before becoming sidelined with a left-knee problem.
Irving underwent two surgeries, the first removing a tension wire and the second to remove screws from a previous operation.
However, Celtics fans were treated to footage of Irving back in action this week as he took part in some training with fellow stars.
A video posted by NBA coach Irv Roland on Instagram showed the 26-year-old playing alongside the likes of Kevin Durant and James Harden.
Irving wasn't expected to be back this early, despite the claims of Celtic general manager Danny Ainge.
Last month Ainge said he was 'optimistic' both Irving and fellow injured star Gordon Hayward would be back at full strength for the start of training camp at the end of the month.
But the GM also indicated Irving could have been ready to play last month but the star wasn't risked.
"I don't want to hype it up too much, but I'm saying that if our training camp were starting today that they would be here today going full speed," he told ESPN last month.
"It's not like they need an extra month.
"I think that they know they have an extra month, so they are sort of pacing themselves.
"They're playing as if to build up to that opening day of training camp [September 26]."
Roland's Instagram post was captioned: "I wanna thank the @miamiheat for allowing my guys to come over and get some great runs in with their squad. @nba is the dopest brotherhood!"
And Celtics fans flocked to the video to mention Irving's appearance in the clip.
One commented: "Feels like I haven’t seen Kyrie in forever. This was heartwarming."
Another wrote: "Kyrie & James Harden in the same backcourt. Mad!"
And one said: "Kyrie is ready."
The Celtics take on the Charlotte Hornets on September 29.