The Dallas Mavericks are starting the new season with one of their biggest questions still unanswered. Kyrie Irving, their star guard, has been out since tearing his ACL in March, and fans have been wondering if he might return sooner than expected.
The Mavericks are moving forward with training camp in Vancouver, but Irving’s health remains the focus. This week, Irving addressed the situation, putting the recovery talk into perspective.
Kyrie Irving Sets the Record Straight on His Return Timeline
When Irving went down with a torn ACL in his left knee on March 3 against the Sacramento Kings, the entire direction of the Mavericks’ year shifted. Already without Luka Dončić, Dallas lost its top scorer and leader in a single play.
Irving required surgery later that month, and with ACL injuries typically demanding nine to twelve months of rehab, the expectation was clear — the guard would miss most of the 2025-26 season.
That reality hasn’t stopped speculation. Reports surfaced recently suggesting Irving might be “ahead of schedule” in his recovery. For fans, that was encouraging news, especially with the team still finding its new identity after trading Dončić in the summer. But Irving himself made sure to address those headlines directly.
Speaking on Twitch, Irving told fans he is not setting a return date.
“There’s no timetable of when I’m coming back, so please don’t ask me when I’m coming back,” he said. “Please don’t badger me with all these questions, I’m going to be ready when I’m ready. I am taking the necessary steps to put my best foot forward, and I am enjoying it.”
The comments were a reminder that recovery cannot be rushed. Irving, now under a three-year, $119 million deal with Dallas, has made it clear he is prioritizing long-term health over short-term gain. For the Mavericks, that patience is both necessary and frustrating, since their postseason hopes ultimately depend on his return.
Jason Kidd Cautions Against False Reports Over Irving’s Return
Like Irving, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd also emphasized his full recovery rather than rushing his return. He was asked about Irving’s return during Mavericks Media Day on September 29, just before the team headed to Vancouver. He shared a message aimed directly at the coverage surrounding Irving’s progress.
“When we do see Ky’s shooting, can we just refrain from saying, ‘Ahead of schedule’? That’s bad reporting,” Kidd said.
He expanded further: “He is doing quite well, as we can see, but he is not ahead of schedule. Let’s not say that. That’s unfair to him, and to the Mavs, because it’s not true. Is he on schedule? It looks like it. A lot of positive things are happening, but the report that he is ahead of schedule is not fair.”
Kidd’s firm response shows the organization’s effort to manage expectations. While fans want optimism, the team prefers accuracy. Both Kidd and Irving agree that there is no fixed timeline, only steady progress.
For now, the Mavs are preparing, keeping in view that Irving won’t be back soon. Rookie forward Cooper Flagg will step into a starting role, while Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, D’Angelo Russell, and Daniel Gafford will round out the lineup. On paper, it’s a strong unit, but no one doubts that Irving’s eventual return is the piece that could push them into true contention.
Last one on the court at Day 1 of Dallas Mavericks training camp as Kyrie Irving.
Irving went through a lengthy workout with assistant coach Phil Handy as he continue his recovery process. pic.twitter.com/MBBEXR4qoe
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) September 30, 2025
At training camp, Irving has still been visible. He took part in shooting drills in Vancouver, working closely with assistant coach Phil Handy. It’s a small sign of his ongoing commitment to return stronger and in shape.
For now, the Mavericks will keep competing while Irving focuses on getting back to full strength. His timetable may be unclear, but his approach is not: he will return when he is ready, not a moment sooner.
