Feb. 18, 2026, 2:22 p.m. ET
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving will miss the remainder of the season.Irving is recovering from an ACL tear he suffered nearly a year ago.The former Duke star expressed gratitude for the support from the Mavericks organization and fans.
What was supposed to be a Duke connection on the floor for the Dallas Mavericks this season will never happen after all, as the Mavericks announced that Kyrie Irving will be out for the season after missing the first half due to injury.
A former Duke star and fellow No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft, Irving tore his ACL almost a year ago, and while he said the decision to sit out the rest of the season “wasn’t easy, but it was the right one,” he’s more determined than ever to return next season at full health.
“I am grateful for the Mavericks organization, my teammates and our fans for their continued support throughout the process,” Irving said in a statement. “I am looking forward to coming back stronger next season. The belief and drive I have inside only grows.
“I wanted to send a huge shout-out to ALL of my brothers and sisters out there who’ve torn their ACL or gotten injured doing what they love to do every day. THANK YOU for the inspiration. No fear!”
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