Kyrie Irving was having one of the best seasons of his career when tragedy struck. Injuries are a part of the game in sports, but the severity of the injury can change the trajectory of someone’s career.
While it is impossible to know the future, one could imagine that a season-ending injury would have a major effect on someone’s mental health. This is particularly true if you were in rhythm and having a good year.
For Irving, that’s what seems to have occurred. Irving was averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on the year for the Dallas Mavericks before he suffered one of the worst injuries you could in basketball.
Irving suffered a torn ACL, rendering him out for the rest of the season and potentially some part of the season next year.
Kyrie Irving Gets ACL Surgery To Begin Recovery Path
Irving, who is sidelined with the torn ACL, would have to undergo a successful surgery to help repair it. There was no further damage to Irving’s leg outside of the ACL, which could be considered a positive. ESPN provided the details of the surgery.
Irving’s surgery was performed at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and went well. Irving is expected to make a full recovery, and the hope is that he will be ready for next season.
While Irving’s health may be fine when the next season rolls around, there’s the elephant in the room with his contract situation.
Will Irving Opt In To Player Option?
The big question is whether or not Irving will actually be a part of the Mavericks when the season begins. Irving hasn’t given any inclination on what direction he plans to go, but there’s a major chance that he could opt in for the final year of his deal with Dallas.
The chance to have a healthy season with Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson could be too much to pass up for Irving, plus it would be tough to find a team that could afford him and still have a chance to compete due to his high salary.
Still, Irving’s decision will be his own. The Mavericks have to make it lucrative to convince him to stay for the long term. Will Irving remain with the Mavericks this offseason? Could he extend his contract with them for a larger and longer deal?