'He’s Going to Be Fine': Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison Says Kyrie Irving Ahead of Schedule in Injury Rehab

Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison offered an encouraging update on Kyrie Irving’s recovery from a torn ACL, noting that the All-Star guard exceeded expectations in his rehab process.

“Kyrie’s ahead of schedule, but we kind of knew he would be because of the way he attacks his rehab,” Harrison said. “He’s going two or three times a day. As much as he wants to rush it, we don’t want him to. But he’s going to be fine.”

Irving, who suffered the season-ending injury late last year, has been steadily working his way back and remains determined to rejoin a Mavericks team also built around Anthony Davis and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. While the team has not placed a firm timetable on his return, head coach Jason Kidd set expectations early this offseason.

“We know [Kyrie] won’t be back until January, February, March,” Kidd said. “I didn’t want to put a time limit on it, because I don’t want to be held to, ‘Well, you said January.’ But knowing [Kyrie], he’s going to try to come back soon.”

The Mavericks are operating with the expectation that Irving will return only when fully cleared — and not a moment sooner. In the meantime, D’Angelo Russell, who signed with Dallas during free agency, is expected to take on a leading role in the backcourt alongside Flagg.

Irving has remained committed to the franchise despite the whirlwind of changes, including the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. In June, he declined his $43 million player option for the 2025-26 season to sign a three-year, $119 million extension with a player option for 2027-28. The structure mirrors Davis’ deal, aligning the team’s championship window around its new star core.

“This is one of those times in not only my career but in the legacy play of being a Dallas Maverick, where we have a chance to do something special,” Irving said on NBA TV. “It’s an exciting time to be a Dallas Maverick. It’s an exciting time to be a Dallas Maverick fan.”

Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 50 games last season while shooting 47.3% from the field, 40.1% from three, and 91.6% from the free-throw line. Since joining Dallas in February 2023, he’s posted 25.5 points per game and ranks second in franchise history in scoring average among players with at least 100 games.

With his recovery trending in the right direction and his long-term future in Dallas secured, the Mavericks remain hopeful that Irving’s return can elevate their pursuit of a deep postseason run in 2026 and beyond.

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