Kyrie Irving, the guard for the Dallas Mavericks, is unlikely to be available for the 2025–26 NBA season because he is still in the process of recovering from ACL surgery.
Bad News for Kyrie Irvig
It seems that Irving will not be able to return until the 2026–2027 season. This is a significant challenge for the team, which was already struggling in the Western Conference.
The Mavericks currently sit in 12th place in the standings with a record of 19-35 following a nine-game losing streak that ruined their hopes of making the playoffs. As a result, they will have to finish the season without their main star player.
Irving's record before ACL injury
On March 3, 2025, during a 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings, Irving suffered an ACL injury to his left knee, which required surgery later that year.
Irving, a nine-time All-Star, averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 50 games during the 2024–25 season before the injury.
Kyrie Irving releases statement
On February 18, Irving announced that he would not be returning for the current 2025–26 season due to the extended recovery period. He expressed disappointment at not being able to help the team during this time. However, he also promised to come back with renewed determination in the next season.
"This decision wasn't easy, but it's the right one. 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!," Irving said in a statement.
Irving and Luka Doncic helped Dallas reach the 2024 NBA Finals, but the team has changed since then. Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in a disappointing move in February.