If Mavericks fans were hoping to see Kyrie Irving back for the playoffs in 2026, they might have to keep waiting.
“Don’t hold your breath,” Irving said on a live stream.
The All-Star guard tore his ACL in March and underwent surgery shortly after it occurred. Irving, who’s dealt with serious knee injuries throughout his career, said he just wants to be “150,000% ready” for a return.
“It doesn’t mean that I won’t be back (next season),” he said. “I don’t want to make any predictions on when I’m going to be back. ... So I’m taking my time right now to really get healthy. I’m taking my time to really get my body right, other portions of my body right and really just enjoy this recovery process.”
After missing the 2024-25 playoffs, Dallas figures to be a contender next season with Anthony Davis and No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft Cooper Flagg in the fold. Getting Irving back — whether it’s during the regular season or the playoffs — would bolster the Mavericks’ offense.
In 50 games for Dallas prior to his injury, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists.
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