The Dallas Mavericks have spent the offseason reshaping the organization, but the biggest question hanging over everything is still Kyrie Irving. And according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the news around Irving’s recovery is trending in the right direction.
During a recent appearance on “ The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Charania said Irving’s rehab has gone “amazing” and suggested the Mavericks deliberately chose not to rush him back last season. He explained:
“My understanding is Kyrie Irving’s rehab has gone amazing. There was a sense during last season that, you know, if the Mavericks were playing at a very competitive level, like Kyrie Irving could have potentially come back in December or January. But given the way the season was going, and it obviously didn’t make sense for the Mavericks either to rush Kyrie Irving back onto the floor.”
Irving tore his ACL in March 2025, which set up a long absence. There was at least some optimism that he could return during the 2025-26 season, but Dallas was stuck near the bottom of the West and never put itself in position to chase anything meaningful. That made the decision to hold him out easier, even if it drew criticism at the time.
Charania’s update went further, saying Irving is now fully recovered and already involved in the Mavericks’ new direction. He said:
“But from my understanding, he’s fully recovered, 100% with that ACL tear from a couple seasons ago. He’s been fully entrenched in the Mavericks’ plans this offseason.
He and Dusty May, they’ve spoken. Him and Masai Ujiri, the new president, they’ve spoken.
Mike Schmitz, their new general manager, has spoken with Kyrie Irving as well.”
He also made clear that Dallas wants Irving and Cooper Flagg together next season, with owner Patrick Dumont especially interested in seeing how that pairing looks. Charania added:
“So they’re entering next season, Patrick Dumont, the owner, he really wants to see Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg in this team next season and how that duo looks because, you know, Kyrie Irving is the elder statesman of this team… They feel like that duo, that leadership, is going to play a big role in Cooper Flagg’s development as well.”
That lines up with the broader picture in Dallas. The Mavericks have turned over major pieces in the front office and coaching staff, and the franchise is clearly moving in a new direction. Even so, Irving remains part of the plan.
That makes sense given what he still brings when he’s healthy. Irving remains one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players, with elite handle, a slippery rhythm, and the kind of shot-making that can change a game in a hurry.
Charania’s report also points to a strong first impression with the new staff. Mavericks head coach Dusty May was reportedly awestruck after seeing Irving work out, which only adds to the anticipation around his return.
The numbers back up the excitement, too. In the 2024-25 season, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 47.3% from the field and 40.1% from three. Over his career, he’s put up 23.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.
Dallas may not look like a finished product yet in the West, but the roster does have upside, especially with Cooper Flagg in the mix. If Irving is back and operating at full strength, the Mavericks suddenly become a much more interesting team. And if he’s mentoring Flagg along the way, that second season for the reigning ROTY gets even more compelling.
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