There were many reasons to blame for the Dallas Mavericks’ slow start this season, whether it be Jason Kidd putting No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg at point guard, a position he is unfamiliar with, or a team taking time to gel, but one of the main ones has been injuries.
Starting point guard Kyrie Irving has been out all season after tearing his ACL this spring, so a much-needed piece for the Mavericks has been missing. And, unfortunately for Flagg, it seems he won’t be playing with the fellow former Duke star anytime soon.
On HoopsHype’s podcast ‘Around the Beat,’ Mavericks reporter Grant Afseth stated that Irving remains out indefinitely for the team, but could return following February’s All-Star Break.
“He’s working out with the purpose of playing this season, which I’m sure Mavs fans are glad to hear. I think, optimistic-wise, around late January, All-Star break,” Afseth said. “Someone close to him told me that if it was the playoffs, he could play right now. That’s how ahead of schedule he is.”