The Cleveland Cavaliers said Thursday that All-Star forward Kevin Love has been cleared to progress in his rehab from left foot surgery after receiving positive results in a follow-up consultation earlier this week.
In a statement released Thursday night, the Cavs said that Love met with Dr. Martin O’Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City on Wednesday, and that Malley’s evaluation revealed “continued healing and progress.”
“[Love] will now progress with select basketball activities as directed by the Cavaliers’ medical team and continue to advance his therapy and strength and conditioning program,” the team said. “A return to play timeline will be established as progression through this phase of his rehabilitation is complete.”
Love had surgery to rectify a painful big toe injury on his left foot on Nov. 2. The injury had bothered him since the preseason opener and affected his ability to walk.
The team initially said he was expected to miss about six weeks, but Love told ESPN’s The Jump in late November that his absence likely would extend “sometime after the new year.”
Love has played in four games this season, averaging 19 points and 13.5 rebounds. He missed 45 games because of injuries the previous two seasons. The five-time All-Star signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension this summer.