Things were not supposed to go this way for star point guard Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks last season. Just months after a surprising run to the 2024 NBA Finals, Dallas found itself outside the playoff picture. Behind Irving and fellow star Luka Dončić, the Mavericks defied expectations, overcoming their fifth-seed status in the Western Conference to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Their journey only ended after falling to the Boston Celtics in the Finals.
With momentum on their side, they entered the 2024-25 season looking to build on that special run, but that is not what happened.
Why Did the Mavericks Struggle So Much Last Season?
Before the 2024-25 season, the Mavericks added Golden State Warriors legend Klay Thompson and looked poised to make another run. Instead, the team struggled mightily and ultimately made a shocking move: trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team deal that netted them future Hall-of-Fame Anthony Davis.
The new-look roster failed to mesh, and Dallas finished the season with a disappointing 39-43 record, which was only the 10th-best mark in the West. While they managed to defeat the Sacramento Kings in the first play-in game, a subsequent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies officially eliminated them from postseason contention.
However, the Mavericks’ fortunes took a dramatic turn in the offseason. The team struck gold at the NBA’s draft lottery, shockingly winning the top pick with just a 1.8% chance. That allowed them to select the consensus No. 1 prospect, Duke’s Cooper Flagg. With Flagg joining Davis and Thompson on the roster and Irving expected to return from injury at some point this season, hopes are again high in Dallas.
Of course, the biggest question on everyone’s mind is when Irving can finally return to the court.
When Will Kyrie Irving Return to the Court for the Dallas Mavericks?
According to Irving himself, there is still no timetable for his return. “There’s no timetable of when I’m coming back, so please don’t ask me when I’m coming back,” Irving 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.”
While that is likely the correct approach for his recovery, fans will continue to ask questions, especially after Irving signed a three-year, $119 million deal in the offseason.
This week, however, Irving appeared to receive some good news. He was back on the court for shooting drills during the Mavericks’ training camp in Vancouver. Marc Stein said he was “operating strictly as a passer,” but seeing him back out there is still an encouraging sign.
If the Mavericks can stay afloat this season without Irving on the court, they could become one of the most dangerous teams in the league, assuming he is healthy and available for the postseason.
