Dallas Mavericks received a needed dose of optimism Monday morning when Irving participated in shootaround for the first time since suffering a torn ACL on March 3, 2025.
While Irving did not play, his presence on the floor marked a tangible step forward in a recovery process that has loomed over the Mavericks' season.
Irving had initially targeted a January return, but the organization has taken a cautious approach. Even so, his involvement in shootaround signals progress for a team that has struggled to stay competitive without its veteran guard.
According to Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal, there has been no indication Irving will be shut down for the remainder of the season, with expectations trending toward a return after the NBA All-Star break rather than before it.
Dallas' Injury-Riddled Balancing Act
Dallas entered the season hoping to remain afloat behind Anthony Davis and rookie phenom Cooper Flagg. That plan has not unfolded as expected. Davis has battled persistent injuries, appearing in just 20 of the team's 39 games and now likely to undergo surgery for ligament damage in his left hand.
Not to mention that the rest of the Mavericks’ frontcourt all are out. Dereck Lively II just got right foot surgery on Sunday. Daniel Gafford is nursing a right ankle sprain suffered in the Mavericks most recent win over the Brooklyn Nets. Then there’s PJ Washington who has been out with a right ankle injury since late November.
Essentially the injury bug has wiped out any kind of consistent size within the rotation leaving players like 6-foot-6 Naji Marshall stuck playing power forward.
Flagg, meanwhile, has largely delivered on expectations. The No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA Draft is averaging 18.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, showing poise well beyond his years. Still, his workload has been heavy, and the lack of veteran support has been evident during extended stretches.
Why Irving's Return Still Matters
Despite coming off a major knee injury, Irving signed a three-year, $120 million extension with Dallas, reaffirming the franchise's belief in his impact. Before going down last season, the 32-year-old was playing at an All-Star level, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 50 games and earning his ninth All-Star selection.
The numbers since his injury underline his importance. Since March 4, 2025, the day after Irving went down, the Mavericks are just 21-38. This season, Dallas sits 12th in the Western Conference at 15-25, outside the Play-In picture.
Irving's eventual return won't instantly fix everything, but it could stabilize a season that has drifted. For a young roster searching for direction, his presence may be the difference between drifting further down the standings and finding a late-season pulse.
Newsweek