The Dallas Mavericks were hit with the injury bug during the final stretch of the 2024-25 season, and while the majority of those players are now healthy and ready to return for the 2025-26 campaign, there is one big-name star who remains sidelined. Kyrie Irving, one of the league’s most talented ball handlers, playmakers, and scorers, still doesn’t have a return date in sight.
Just when things seemed to be turning around for this Mavs team last season, Irving suffered an agonizing ACL injury during a game against the Sacramento Kings in March, which saw him miss the final two months. Irving is currently going through a lengthy rehabilitation process, and recently provided an update on his status.
Irving Opens Up on ACL Recovery and Possible Return Date for the Mavericks
Irving’s injury setback was devastating for a fanbase that had already been through so much following the contentious departure of fan-favorite Luka Dončić to the Lakers. Without Irving, Dallas ground out a 7-14 record to close out the season and were eventually eliminated in the play-in tournament.
Fans who had been hoping for a speedy recovery will be disappointed to hear what Irving had to say about his return. During a live stream from three weeks ago, the Mavericks’ point guard was asked whether he would be back in time for the playoffs. The postseason begins in April 2026, but Irving was still unwilling to commit to a return despite having over eight months of recovery time.
“Don’t hold your breath on that,” said Irving. “I don’t want to make any predictions on when I’m going to be back. I just want to be back 150,000% better. So I’m taking my time right now to really get healthy.”
Kyrie Irving if he’ll be back for playoffs:
“Don’t hold your breath on that… I just want to be back 150,000% better. I’m taking my time right now to really get healthy… I just want to be back out there.”
(Via Kyrie’s stream) #NBA pic.twitter.com/tVZDLAiWpY
— Swish Access (@SwishAccess) July 6, 2025
Irving said there is a chance he could be back in time for the playoffs if the Mavericks make it that far, which should give Dallas fans some hope. The recovery time for an ACL injury can be anywhere from six to 12 months, putting Irving’s March injury right in that window for a potential playoff return.
“It’s not pretty … But I go through kind of the mental roller coaster ride every day. Just want to be back out there,” added Irving.
What Irving’s Absence Means for Dallas This Season
The Mavericks are stacked coming into the 2025-26 season. Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson offer two experienced All-Stars with championship experience. Landing the first overall pick and adding the highly rated Cooper Flagg to the roster was a major boost. The organization also picked up guard D’Angelo Russell to add some depth to the backcourt.
Irving’s influence and importance to this roster, however, cannot be overstated. Last season, Irving led the lineup in points (24.7), assists (4.6), and steals (1.3) among qualifying players. His ability to create shots in clutch moments and handle pressure situations made him invaluable during Dallas’s playoff push.
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The 33-year-old is a nine-time All-Star and a four-time All-NBA selection. He was the Rookie of the Year in 2012 and also has an NBA title to his name, which he won alongside LeBron James and Kevin Love with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. That championship experience could prove crucial if Irving returns healthy for a potential playoff run.
Russell will likely shoulder much of the playmaking duties in Irving’s absence, while Thompson and Davis provide veteran leadership. Flagg, the rookie sensation, could see increased minutes as Dallas searches for offensive production. The team’s depth will be tested early, but their championship aspirations may ultimately depend on Irving’s recovery timeline.
For now, Mavericks fans will have to wait and see how Irving progresses through his rehabilitation. His cautious approach suggests he’s prioritizing long-term health over rushing back, which could benefit Dallas if he returns at full strength for the playoffs.