The Dallas Mavericks are beginning training camp with optimism surrounding Kyrie Irving’s recovery from a torn left ACL.
Irving suffered the injury on March 3 against the Sacramento Kings and missed the final 20 games of last season, along with the team’s Play-In Tournament appearance. The setback came during an All-Star campaign for the nine-time All-Star, who averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists across 50 games in 2024-25.
Kyrie Irving Shows Off Recovery Progress
Last week, Irving shared a glimpse of his progress in a post-workout shooting session that quickly circulated online, fueling anticipation for his eventual return. However, how Irving responds to lateral movement and change of direction is the true measure of recovery progress in the later stages.
While the Mavericks have not issued a formal timetable, DallasHoopsJournal.com has reported that Irving is considered “ahead of schedule” in his recovery. Sources emphasized that Dallas will not rush him back, though the team remains encouraged by his progress.
The Mavericks signed Irving to a three-year, $118 million contract in July, solidifying his place alongside Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, and Daniel Gafford as part of the franchise’s retooled core. Until Irving returns, Dallas is expected to start D’Angelo Russell in the backcourt next to Thompson.
Klay Thompson Reflects on Facing Kyrie Irving
Thompson recently reflected on facing Irving as a rival during Golden State’s Finals matchups with Cleveland, calling him one of the toughest players he has ever guarded.
“Put him up there with LeBron, KD, and Kobe,” Thompson said on the Showtime With Michael Cooper podcast. “He’s got no weaknesses in his game.”
Irving, 33, enters his third full season in Dallas after previous stops in Cleveland, Boston, and Brooklyn. He owns career averages of 23.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, including a championship run with the Cavaliers in 2016.
The Mavericks fell short of the playoffs last season without Irving’s late-season contributions. His eventual return is expected to give Dallas a significant boost in the Western Conference race.