Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving could return from his ACL tear before the NBA All-Star break.
DallasHoopsJournal senior reporter Grant Afseth spoke about Irving’s return on the latest HoopsHype podcast.
“Yeah, I think he’s been working very hard to have a comeback this season,” Afseth said. “I think he very much wants to. Obviously the way the team has played out has kind of created uncertainty for what people think could happen, but I do know he’s been someone that’s worked very hard to make that comeback. He takes a lot of pride in being able to show I’m an elite player coming off this injury. Even like being able to attack it to where he could come back sooner than someone might think. Like kind of defy the odds if you will.
“But it’s a complicated general situation because from that standpoint because he doesn’t want a timeline out there where if it’s not met, then you’re talking about a setback and then that like adds some distractionary elements to it. I think it’s more of like a he’s going to attack it, try to come back as soon as possible, but not have that external pressure to where we’re discussing timetables, things of that nature.
“I’ve personally like from my understanding of the situation have long held like the thought that there’s optimism of a pre-All-Star break return, but that’s not ever been like super like that’s happening, there’s a set guarantee like anything of that nature, but I do think the general mindset is to play.”
Kyrie Irving appeared in 50 games for the Mavericks last season. He averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists per game while shooting 47.3% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc and 91.6% from the free-throw line.
Dallas signed Irving to a three-year, $118 million contract in July. Irving is making $36.6 million this season. He can become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 by declining his 2027-28 player option worth $42.4 million.
The Mavericks are 10-16 on the season. They are in 10th place in the West.