Mavericks Issue Optimistic Kyrie Irving Update

Last week, Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving offered an interesting statement about his timeline for a return to the court. Irving suffered a torn ACL in March of last season, then had surgery in April.

In an online stream, the superstar nine-time All-Star answered a question about whether he would be back for the playoffs next season, but Mavs fans weren't too enthusiastic about his response.

"Don't hold your breath on that," Irving said. "It doesn't mean that I won't be back ... I don't want to make any predictions on when I'm going to be back. I just want to be 150 thousand percent better.

"So I'm taking my time to really get healthy ... and really just enjoy this recovery process, man. It's not pretty. Yes, it's a beautiful struggle, but I go through the mental rollercoaster ride every day, just want to be back out there."

Now Mavs general manager Nico Harrison is serving an update about Kyrie ... and one that's a little more digestible for fans.

"Kyrie is ahead of schedule, but we kind of knew he would be because of the way he attacks his rehab," Harrison said when being interviewed during the Mavericks' third Summer League game in Las Vegas, in which they lost to the Charlotte Hornets 87-69.

"You know, he's going two or three times a day, but we don't want him to rush it as much as he wants to rush it. He's going to be fine."

Irving was initially projected to return in January or February, but with Dallas' moves this offseason, the ball-handler can afford to wait until he is closer to full strength and confidence before coming back.

Dallas signed stop-gap point guard D'Angelo Russell to a two-year free agency contract, presumably to fill Irving's spot in the starting lineup. The Mavericks also re-signed veteran guard Dante Exum to sure up the bench unit's offense.

An interesting development that will be followed next year is star rookie Cooper Flagg's potential to run the show from the point. The 6-9 forward has superb offensive skills for his age, providing massive upside for head coach Jason Kidd as another player available that can facilitate while Irving is out.

The Mavericks' start to the season may be the biggest driving factor in Kyrie's return, as Dallas isn't a legitimate title contender until they bring back their near 25 point-per-game point guard.

"Ahead of schedule" is a good update for now, but there is a long road to travel in Irving's "beautiful struggle."