The latest reports indicate that Kyrie Irving has suffered from a torn ACL and has been sidelined for the remainder of the season. With injuries piling up for the Dallas Mavericks, their hopes of a deep playoff run or a championship have all but evaporated.
The big question now is whether the general manager Nico Harrison will be able to build a roster that can challenge the big names in the upcoming season.
Kyrie Irving’s Injury Will Force Nico Harrison to Weigh His Options
In terms of incoming draft picks, Dallas retains its own 2025 first-rounder, no longer encumbered by the top-10 protected pick owed to the New York Knicks. With Luka Doncic gone, Anthony Davis missing in action, and now Irving sidelined, this will be the most important pick for the Mavs.
It can become even more lucrative as Dallas slides in the standings. Even becoming a top-10 lottery pick. This will be a critical opportunity for the Mavs to draft a young and cost-controlled talent to build around or trade for veteran assistance.
After the Doncic-Davis trade in a three-team deal, the Mavs do not possess their second-round pick in 2025. The Boston Celtics or the Utah Jazz will have their claim on it.
The Mavs also swapped Quentin Grimes for Caleb Martin last month. In doing so, Dallas gave back the 2025 second-round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Interestingly, Harrison’s aggressive approach has meant that Dallas does not currently have any of their first and second-round picks from 2027 to 2030. Hence, the 2025 first-rounder is Harrison’s best immediate asset.
This pick could define the post-Doncic era for the Mavericks. It will either accelerate a rebuild or double down on the Davis-Irving core.
Additionally, the Mavs could leverage the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick that they acquired in the Doncic-Davis trade to bring in a star player and have an immediate impact in the 2025-26 season.
Harrison will be working with a limited arsenal to retool the Mavs in 2026, and the draft picks alone will not save him. The team must rely on a quick and healthy recovery of Irving, free agency, and player development.
