Kyrie Irving Nearing Return as Mavericks Eye Leadership Boost and On-Court Stability
The Dallas Mavericks haven’t exactly had the season they envisioned-and injuries have played a starring role in that script. But there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon, and it comes in the form of one of the league’s most dynamic and battle-tested guards: Kyrie Irving.
Irving, who’s been sidelined since tearing his ACL last March in a game against the Kings, is reportedly ramping up his rehab. That injury, suffered after an awkward landing on Jonas Valančiūnas’ foot, halted what had been a strong campaign for the veteran point guard-and left Dallas without one of its key leaders during a critical stretch.
Now, as he inches closer to a return, the Mavericks are watching closely. And for good reason.
Before the injury, Irving was doing what he’s long done-putting up efficient, high-level production while serving as a steadying force for a team in transition. In 50 games last season, he averaged just under 25 points per game on 47% shooting from the field and an impressive 40% from beyond the arc.
That kind of efficiency, especially from a high-usage guard, is rare air. It’s also what earned him his first All-Star nod since 2022-23.
And let’s be clear-this wasn’t just empty scoring. With Luka Dončić no longer in Dallas following a blockbuster trade, Irving stepped into a larger leadership role.
He became a central figure in the Mavericks’ identity, both as a playmaker and as a mentor. That leadership component has only grown in importance with the arrival of rookie phenom Cooper Flagg, who’s being asked to carry a heavy load early in his NBA journey.
The Mavericks didn’t just want Kyrie back for the points-though those certainly help. They wanted him back for the poise, the experience, the ability to guide a young core through the grind of an 82-game season. And now, with reports that he’s been practicing against dummy defenses and increasing his activity, the idea of him rejoining the lineup doesn’t feel far off.
Of course, when Kyrie’s healthy, there's nothing dummy about the defense-he just makes it look that way. His handle, footwork, and shot-making can dismantle even the most disciplined schemes. And if he returns anywhere near the level he was playing at pre-injury, Dallas could be getting a major midseason boost.
There was a time, not too long ago, when questions swirled about Irving’s long-term impact after the Brooklyn experiment with Kevin Durant and James Harden fizzled out. But since arriving in Dallas, he’s reshaped that narrative. He’s become the kind of veteran presence most teams would kill to have-someone who still brings elite talent but also understands how to elevate the players around him.
For the Mavericks, the timing couldn’t be better. Flagg is showing flashes, but he’s still learning the ropes. Having Kyrie back on the floor-directing traffic, making plays, and setting the tone-could accelerate that development in a big way.
There’s still no official timetable, but the signs are pointing in the right direction. And if Irving’s return goes as hoped, the Mavericks might just find the rhythm they’ve been missing.