Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving ‘Ahead Of Schedule’ In ACL Recovery

NBA star Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks is “ahead of schedule” in his ACL recovery, sources told DallasHoopsJournal.

Irving tore his left ACL on March 3 against the Sacramento Kings.

The Mavericks won’t rush Irving back. Neither side has put a timetable for his return to the court.

Irving appeared in 50 games for Dallas last season. He averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks while shooting 47.3% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc and 91.6% from the free-throw line.

The Mavericks signed Irving to a three-year, $118 million contract in July. Irving will make $36.6 million in 2025-26. He can become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 by declining his 2027-28 player option worth $42.4 million.

Dallas is expected to start D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford while Irving is out. Once Irving is cleared to play, he will replace Russell in the starting lineup.

A nine-time All-Star, Irving has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets and Mavericks. He has career averages of 23.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.4 blocks. The 33-year-old won the 2016 championship with the Cavaliers.

“It’s nice to be his teammate,” Thompson said about Irving 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.”