NBASep 25
Kyrie Irving Reports No Physical Restrictions as Mavericks Begin New Chapter
After a 19-month ACL recovery, Irving is ready to return alongside Cooper Flagg for a Dallas team with new leadership.
· 2 min read
On this page3 sections
Irving confident after lengthy recovery
Kyrie Irving says he has no remaining physical restrictions from the torn ACL in his left knee as he prepares to return to the Mavericks following 19 months away from competition. Speaking Friday at Dallas’ preseason media day, the veteran guard addressed reporters for the first time since suffering the injury on March 3, 2025. Irving acknowledged that questions about his form are inevitable, but expressed confidence in his ability to compete again with his teammates. At 34 and entering Year 16, Irving also described the recovery as a valuable period of reflection. He said the absence helped him reassess his personal growth, communication and leadership. New team president Masai Ujiri offered an encouraging assessment of Irving’s health while noting the importance of getting back into games.
A different Dallas awaits
Irving returns to a franchise reshaped after a 26-56 season, Dallas’ worst finish in eight years. Ujiri arrived in early May and hired Dusty May in late June to replace Jason Kidd as coach. May, who guided Michigan to last season’s NCAA championship, indicated that his approach to coaching Irving would center on identifying where he can help an already accomplished player. The nine-time All-Star will also get to play alongside Cooper Flagg, last season’s unanimous Rookie of the Year. Both players expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, with Flagg pointing to their summer court time as an opportunity to develop chemistry.
Opening schedule set
Dallas announced Friday that Dwight Powell has re-signed. The Mavericks begin preseason play against Houston in Macao, China, on Oct. 9 and 11. Their regular-season opener is at Houston on Oct. 21, followed by the home opener against Western Conference champion San Antonio on Oct. 24.
Analysis, not a wagering instruction. Confirm every number on the sportsbook. 21+.
