Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving emphasized that his return from a torn ACL will happen on his own schedule.
“There’s no timetable for when I’m coming back, so please don’t ask me when I’m coming back,” Irving said, via HoopsHype, adding that he is taking “the necessary steps to put my best foot forward—and I’m enjoying it.”
The nine-time All-Star suffered the injury on March 3 against the Sacramento Kings, ending his 2024–25 season and raising questions about his availability for 2025–26.
Head coach Jason Kidd noted during Mavericks Media Day that Irving is “not ahead of schedule” in his recovery, maintaining that the guard is progressing within expected timelines.
During an August Instagram Live, Irving marked five months of rehabilitation, highlighting incremental improvements in basketball activity and gradually increased workouts.
Before the injury, he averaged 24.7 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds across 50 games and earned his ninth All-Star selection as an injury replacement.
Over the summer, Irving committed to the Mavericks by signing a three-year deal following Luka Doncic’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The team continues to consider Irving a cornerstone of their roster, valuing his elite shooting efficiency of 47.4 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from three.
With 96 playoff appearances and a 2016 NBA championship on his resume, Irving’s experience and scoring ability remain vital for Dallas.
