Amid rumors that Kyrie Irving is progressing faster than anticipated in his ACL recovery, the Mavericks star strongly pushed back, tempering expectations.
Irving tore his left ACL on March 3 against the Sacramento Kings, ending his 14th season after 50 appearances. The veteran point guard underwent reconstructive surgery on March 26, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting in mid-April that he could return by the start of January.
However, follow-up reports last month indicated that the nine-time All-Star was “ahead of schedule” in his rehabilitation, prompting Irving to set the record straight.
How Did Kyrie Irving Address Speculation About His ACL Recovery Timeline?
Speaking on a recent Twitch stream, Irving dismissed the notion that he could make an early comeback, expressing exasperation over the ongoing storyline.
“There’s no timetable of when I’m coming back, so please don’t ask me when I’m coming back,” Irving said. “Please don’t badger me with all the questions like, ‘Hey, if you’re healthy by November, what do you think about it?’ Please don’t badger me with any questions, guys. I’m going to be ready when I’m ready, and I’m taking the necessary steps to put my best foot forward, and I’m enjoying it.”
This aligns with Mavericks coach Jason Kidd’s Media Day sentiments about Irving’s recovery. Kidd said that the 33-year-old “looks on schedule,” but is “not ahead of schedule.” Irving also stressed during Media Day that he doesn’t want to set any unrealistic expectations for himself.
Though taking his time, Irving has still been contributing in a limited capacity at Dallas’ training camp. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the 2016 NBA champion is operating “strictly as a passer.”
Mavericks Double Down on Irving’s Importance With Contract Move
At the time of his injury, Irving was the lone player averaging “at least 20 points, 40% 3-point shooting and 90% from the free-throw line” last season. Meanwhile, the Mavericks had gone 28-22 with him in their lineup.
Despite the devastating setback, Dallas rewarded Irving with a three-year, $118.5 million contract in late June, signaling its confidence in his bounce-back ability. Per Charania, the franchise “put a premium on Irving’s leadership and ability to team with” superstar big man Anthony Davis and 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.
In Irving’s absence, Davis and Flagg will look to help the Mavericks stay competitive in the deep Western Conference, with free agent addition D’Angelo Russell filling in at point guard.
The team went just 11-21 without Irving last season, leading to an underwhelming 39-win finish and subsequent draft lottery fortune. That paved the way for Flagg’s arrival, setting up a potential Big 3 should Irving return to form.
