Kyrie Irving, the former Duke standout, will be sitting out the NBA season. After tearing his left ACL last season with the Dallas Mavericks, there's been speculation about his return. However, Irving has opted to focus on a full recovery to ensure he's at his best for the next championship chase.
Irving's agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, emphasized the importance of Kyrie being "1,000%" ready for his comeback, underscoring the commitment to his long-term health and performance.
Reflecting on his brief but impactful college career, Irving played only 11 games for Duke during the 2010-11 season. Yet, he left an indelible mark, averaging 17.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. His shooting percentages were nothing short of stellar: 52.9% from the field, 46.2% from three-point range, and an impressive 90.1% from the free-throw line.
One of his standout performances came against Michigan State on December 1, 2010, where he dropped 31 points, snagged six rebounds, and dished out four assists, leading Duke to a 84-79 victory.
Duke finished the 2010-11 season with a 32-5 record, but their journey ended in the West Regional Semifinal against Arizona. Irving showcased his scoring prowess in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 17.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
His talent was undeniable, catching the eye of NBA scouts despite the limited college exposure. The Cleveland Cavaliers took notice and selected him first overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. Irving has since played for the Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and Mavericks, capturing an NBA championship in 2016 alongside LeBron James.
In his statement, Irving expressed gratitude to the Mavericks organization, his teammates, and fans for their unwavering support. He remains driven and looks forward to a stronger return next season. He also extended a heartfelt message to others who have faced similar injuries, thanking them for their inspiration.
The Mavericks boast a trio of former Duke players: Irving, Cooper Flagg, and Dereck Lively II, likely keeping Duke's legendary coach, Mike Krzyzewski, tuned into Dallas games.