The Dallas Mavericks knew that they would be without Kyrie Irving for an extended period during the 2025-26 NBA season. But according to the comments that he made during a recent live stream, the point guard may not return in time for next year’s playoffs.
Kyrie Irving Sheds Light On Timetable For Return From Injury
Irving tore his ACL during a mid-season game back in early March. During a game against the Sacramento Kings, the then-32-year-old made a drive to the basket, but fell to the floor after twisting his knee. He limped to the free throw line and hit both of his foul shots, but then left the court for good, and never saw any action the rest of the season.
Both Irving and the Mavericks knew that the recovery process would be an extended one. It was a near certainty that he wouldn’t be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season, and the timeframe on his targeted return was set for sometime in January.
Mavericks G Kyrie Irving on if he’ll be back by the NBA Playoffs:
“Don’t hold your breath on that…I just want to be back 150,000% better.” #MFFL
(🎥: @SwishAccess) pic.twitter.com/S7oY3G4ru0
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) July 6, 2025
It might be longer than that, given the player’s recent comments. While conducting a recent live stream, Kyrie Irving was asked by a fan about whether he would be back for next year’s playoffs. He responded by saying the following:
“Don’t hold your breath on that…It doesn’t mean I won’t be back, I just don’t want to make any predictions. I just want to be back 150,000% better.”
The Mavericks will be one of the more interesting teams to follow next season. After the headline-grabbing trade of Luka Doncic, the franchise appeared to be in a tough way, with a fractured fan base and uncertain future.
Cooper Flagg's first look in a Mavs uni 👀 🔥 (via @dallasmavs) pic.twitter.com/MqLEhYImdz
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 2, 2025
But landing the top overall pick has certainly helped to boost morale, as Cooper Flagg will be added to the mix, and there are hopes that Dallas can make a playoff push in what promises to be a very competitive Western Conference.
At the time of his injury, Kyrie Irving was averaging just shy of 25 points per game, and had recently made his 9th All-Star Game appearance. If he does indeed miss the entire upcoming regular season, then he’ll be 34 years old by the time he takes the court again.
Earlier this offseason, Irving opted out of the final year of his contract with Dallas, but re-signed for three years at a value of $119 million.
