Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd told reporters during the 2025 Media Day that Kyrie Irving is “not ahead of schedule” in his recovery from a torn ACL.
Irving suffered the injury on March 3 against the Sacramento Kings, ending his season and raising concerns about his availability for 2025–26.
Despite promising rehabilitation videos, Kidd stressed that the guard is progressing but remains within expected recovery timelines.
Irving, however, described his recovery differently. He told TMZ Sports that he is “right on schedule” while acknowledging there is still no precise timetable for his return.
The nine-time All-Star marked the five-month milestone in his rehabilitation during an August Instagram Live, noting incremental growth in basketball activities and gradually increasing workouts.
Before the injury, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds across 50 games, earning a ninth All-Star selection as an injury replacement.
Over the summer, Irving signed a three-year deal with Dallas, signaling his commitment to the Mavericks following Luka Doncic’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The team continues to view Irving as a cornerstone, with his career including a 2016 NBA championship, 96 playoff appearances, and career averages of 23.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game.
While his shooting efficiency remains elite—47.4 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from three—Irving’s timeline for returning to full basketball activity remains closely monitored by Dallas staff.
