After suffering a torn ACL at the end of the 2024-25 NBA season, Kyrie Irving began a lengthy rehab process. He was expected to return at some point this campaign, more so with Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis (now on the Wizards) set to compete alongside the 2016 champion.
MORE: Kyrie Irving surprises Mavericks teammates with epic Christmas gifts
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As the weeks went by, Irving’s potential return looked harder to materialize. The Dallas Mavericks issued a statement on Wednesday, announcing that Irving would miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
“This decision wasn’t easy, but it’s the right one,” Irving said. “I am grateful for the Mavericks organization, my teammates and our fans for their continued support throughout the process. I am looking forward to coming back stronger next season. The belief and drive I have inside only grows.
“And I wanted to send a huge shoutout to ALL of my brothers and sisters out there who’ve torn their ACL or gotten injured doing what they love to do every day. THANK YOU for the inspiration. No fear!”
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Kyrie Irving is a key piece for the Dallas Mavericks
Oct 6, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) walks on the court during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickie’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
After Nico Harrison infamously traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers last year, Kyrie Irving became the best player on the Mavericks. He suffered the ACL injury with 20 games left on the schedule. Dallas showed flashes with Irving and Davis on the court, but the picture looks different this season.
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The Mavs are 75-543 with Irving and 42-75 without him. With a 19-35 record, they sit 12th in the Western Conference standings. There is no point in rushing his recovery if the Mavs are essentially out of playoff contention.
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