The Dallas Mavericks are setting the stage for what could be an electrifying 2025-26 NBA season, and the city’s basketball faithful can hardly wait. With a roster brimming with talent and championship aspirations, all eyes are on the team’s core—Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and, of course, the ever-dazzling Kyrie Irving. But as training camp approaches, one question looms large: when will Irving, fresh off a devastating ACL injury, make his much-anticipated return?
Irving’s journey back to the hardwood has been the talk of the NBA since he suffered a torn left ACL on March 3, 2025, in a hard-fought contest against the Sacramento Kings. The injury, one of the most dreaded in professional sports, abruptly ended his 2024-25 campaign and cast doubt on his availability for the upcoming season. Yet, as September winds down, optimism is quietly brewing in Dallas.
According to DallasHoopsJournal, Irving is "ahead of schedule" in his ACL recovery. Sources close to the team have echoed this sentiment, and fans received further reassurance earlier this week when Irving himself told TMZ Sports his recovery is "going incredibly well." In his own words, the star guard described "incremental growth" in basketball activities and a steady increase in workout intensity during an August Instagram Live session, marking his five-month milestone since surgery. It’s the kind of news that could change the trajectory of a season.
The Mavericks’ front office has made it clear: they won’t rush Irving back. Neither team officials nor Irving have put a firm timetable on his return, but the latest updates suggest he could be back in action sooner than originally feared. For now, Dallas is content to let their superstar heal at his own pace, knowing that a healthy Irving is pivotal to their championship dreams.
Irving’s impact on the court is undeniable. Before going down with the injury, the 33-year-old guard was enjoying a stellar season, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. His shooting splits were equally impressive: 47.3% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc, and a sparkling 91.6% from the free-throw line. These numbers not only earned him a ninth career All-Star selection—this time as an injury replacement—but also underscored his continued status as one of the league’s elite guards.
It’s not just the stats that make Irving special. His leadership and big-game pedigree are woven into the fabric of NBA history. A nine-time All-Star and the 2016 NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving has played for some of the league’s most storied franchises, including the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets, before landing in Dallas. His career averages—23.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game—speak volumes, as does his reputation for clutch performances in the postseason, where he’s logged 96 playoff appearances.
“It’s nice to be his teammate,” Klay Thompson said during an interview with NBA legend Michael Cooper on the Showtime With Michael Cooper Lakers Podcast. “You know, Kyrie and I had so many battles during those years at Golden State. We saw Cleveland four straight years in the Finals, three of them being with Kai. And I’ll never forget, I know you always used to check the best offensive player, and some nights there’s just nothing you could do when you’re guarding a guy like Michael (Jordan) or Larry (Bird) or Isiah (Thomas). Same thing with Kyrie. He’s the toughest guy I’ve ever guarded. You know, put him up there with LeBron (James) and KD (Kevin Durant) and Kobe (Bryant). He’s got no weaknesses in his game.” According to Thompson, Irving’s presence is a game-changer for any team.
While Irving’s return is eagerly awaited, the Mavericks haven’t stood still during the offseason. The front office made a splash by selecting Cooper Flagg, the former Duke standout, with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg’s arrival, alongside free agent signings D’Angelo Russell and Dennis Smith Jr., has injected fresh energy into the roster. Dallas also re-signed Dante Exum and secured contract extensions for both Irving and PJ Washington, signaling their commitment to continuity and depth.
Financially, Irving is locked in as a cornerstone for the Mavericks’ future. In July, he inked a three-year, $118 million contract, which will pay him $36.6 million during the 2025-26 season. He holds a player option worth $42.4 million for 2027-28, giving both him and the franchise flexibility moving forward. The deal came on the heels of the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade that sent the former franchise icon to the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a new era in Dallas basketball.
With Irving sidelined for the start of the season, head coach Jason Kidd and his staff are expected to roll out a starting lineup featuring D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Daniel Gafford. Russell, a proven playmaker in his own right, will take the reins at point guard until Irving is cleared to play. Once healthy, Irving is set to reclaim his spot in the starting five, with Russell likely shifting to a key reserve role.
The Mavericks’ depth and versatility could prove crucial as they navigate the grueling Western Conference schedule. Anthony Davis, coming off his own recovery from eye surgery, is reportedly back to full-contact 5-on-5 action, while Klay Thompson’s experience and shooting prowess remain invaluable. The addition of Flagg is especially intriguing—can the rookie live up to the hype and help shoulder the scoring load while Irving rehabs?
For now, the Mavericks and their fans must exercise patience. The organization’s cautious approach to Irving’s recovery is both prudent and necessary, especially considering the high stakes. As the regular season draws near, the buzz in Dallas is palpable. The team’s blend of seasoned stars and promising newcomers has created a sense of optimism that hasn’t been felt since their 2011 championship run.
Will Irving make it back in time to help the Mavericks contend for a title? The answer remains uncertain, but the latest updates offer hope. With Irving ahead of schedule and the roster fortified by smart offseason moves, Dallas appears ready to weather the early-season storm and emerge as a legitimate force in the West.
As the Mavericks prepare to tip off a new chapter, the spotlight remains fixed on Kyrie Irving’s recovery. For now, the action is ongoing, but the promise of a triumphant return has the Dallas faithful dreaming big once again.
