Report: J.R. Smith could return mid-March

The Cleveland Cavaliers could get their starting shooting guard back sooner than expected.

J.R. Smith is ahead of schedule in his recovery and could come back in about a month, according to ESPN's Chris Haynes and Dave McMenamin.

The two-guard has been on the shelf since December, when he suffered a fractured right thumb and underwent surgery to repair it.

The injury was originally believed to keep Smith sidelined until late March or early April, but his speedy healing could see him return to practice in as soon as three weeks.

Should the 31-year-old rejoin the team in the middle of next month, he could suit up in roughly 15 regular-season games and shake off the rust before Cleveland's postseason run.

Swish signed a four-year deal worth $57 million last offseason to remain with the defending champs. He averaging 8.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 assists over 21 games this season.

Last month, the team traded for sharpshooter Kyle Korver, who's been playing 25.4 minutes per night at the two-spot.