The Dallas Mavericks became the most talked-about franchise in February when they traded Luka Dončić. While the discussion around Dallas at the time was far from positive, the arrival of the No. 1 pick has brought fans back around, and the squad looks well-rounded even in Dončić’s absence.
Although the Mavericks are expected to be without star guard Kyrie Irving for most of the 2025-26 season, the team has enough pieces to contend, especially with the arrival of Cooper Flagg, considered one of the best prospects to enter the league since LeBron James. And with Irving now sharing an optimistic update on his injury, fans have reason to be hopeful of another run to the NBA Finals.
When Will Kyrie Irving Return to Action?
Irving, known for being active on Twitch, shared an update on his torn ACL during a recent stream, five months after the injury.
“I was in the gym doing a little bit more,” Irving said. “I won’t tell you exactly what I was doing because it’s all about incremental growth. But I can share with y’all, it was some good days in the gym. I’m healing up great. Like this date today, the 26th, this will be five months post-surgery.”
Kyrie gives an update five months after his ACL surgery 👀
“I was in the gym doing a little bit more.” @KyrieIrving 🤞 pic.twitter.com/yRjCaGUXUs
— All Things Mavs (@All_Things_Mavs) August 27, 2025
The update delighted Mavericks fans, as Irving appears ahead of schedule in his recovery. Dallas already boasts a formidable roster with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford protecting the paint, and Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington providing perimeter defense.
There’s no doubt about the Mavericks’ offensive firepower either. The bigger concern may be whether injuries derail their season.
Davis remains one of the league’s most dominant centers when healthy. But his availability is as much a question for the Mavericks’ title hopes as it is for his legacy. Thompson, while not considered injury-prone, has shown a slight decline since his last championship run with the Golden State Warriors.
Does D’Angelo Russell Solve the Mavericks’ Major Problem?
While Irving seems on track to return for the 2026 playoffs, he said in July that he would not rush back. In the meantime, Dallas faces the question of how to fill the gap at point guard.
The Mavericks signed D’Angelo Russell to a two-year, $12 million deal this offseason to help replace Irving, but his inconsistency raises questions about the acquisition. Dallas knows Russell can be a defensive liability but believes the roster is strong enough to cover for him. For that to work, though, the former All-Star needs to bring his best version to Dallas.
Russell’s inconsistency has been most visible in the playoffs. In 2023, he struggled during the Los Angeles Lakers’ postseason run, posting a minus-53 rating in 79 minutes during the Western Conference Finals. His play again wavered in 2024.
Still, Russell has shown bright flashes, especially with the Brooklyn Nets and briefly with Golden State. While his Warriors stint was short-lived, it was productive before the team moved him due to its guard-heavy roster.
List of NBA Players in History to average 17 points and 5 assists in under 30 MPG for their careers:
– Jalen Brunson
– D’Angelo RussellEnd of list. pic.twitter.com/F2FnwZ16Pz
— DOM 🏀 (@OfficialDomNBA) August 28, 2025
Russell’s regular-season production isn’t in doubt. But the 29-year-old has developed a reputation for disappearing under playoff pressure. If he can turn that around with this Mavericks squad, the team could become a true contender.
Irving’s return for the postseason appears realistic, and if Russell can hold steady in the meantime, head coach Jason Kidd will have plenty of options come playoff time. General manager Nico Harrison’s gamble may just pay off.
