Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving Shares Video Showing ACL Recovery, Reacts to Dallas Winning Draft Lottery

Irving underwent surgery on March 26 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Riley J. Williams. At 33, Irving faces a months-long rehab process, but medical experts remain optimistic. Advances in ACL reconstruction and elite athlete conditioning give him a strong chance to return at full strength.

Inside Kyrie Irving’s Recovery

In the weeks following surgery, Irving has focused on reducing swelling, regaining range of motion, and preparing for more rigorous physical therapy. That initial recovery stage typically lasts four to six weeks, after which athletes transition into muscle rebuilding and mobility work. The full return-to-play timeline is estimated at 8 to 12 months, with hopes of a January 2026 comeback for the second half of the season.

Throughout his recovery, Irving has leaned into both discipline and perspective. His social media presence has served as both a motivational outlet and a connection to fans, many of whom continue to rally around him as a spiritual and emotional leader for the Mavericks.

Irving’s role off the court has grown even as his on-court presence has been missed. He averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over 36 games in 2024–25, offering elite scoring and playmaking before the injury. Without him, Dallas still managed to secure a Play-In Tournament berth but fell short of the postseason for the second consecutive year.

Dallas Mavericks Win NBA Draft Lottery

While the Mavericks were still regrouping from their early playoff exit, lottery night delivered a franchise-altering jolt. Despite having just a 1.8% chance, Dallas won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, landing the No. 1 overall pick.

Irving’s reaction? Pure disbelief and delight, indicating his continued investment in the Mavericks.

With the top pick, Dallas is widely expected to select Duke standout Cooper Flagg, a potential franchise cornerstone. The possibility of Flagg joining forces with Anthony Davis and a healthy Irving opens a new window of championship contention.

Kyrie Irving’s Contract Decision Looms

Irving holds a $43.9 million player option for the 2025–26 season. As previously reported by DallasHoopsJournal.com, league insiders expect him to decline the option in favor of negotiating a new multi-year deal with Dallas. The structure is widely seen as most likely to align his contract with Anthony Davis’s current deal—a three-year, $175.4 million agreement that includes a player option in the final season.

That alignment would keep both stars under contract through 2027–28, maximizing Dallas’ championship window while preserving flexibility for their following major career decisions.

Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has clarified that Irving remains central to the organization’s plans, regardless of whether he opts in or becomes a free agent.

“There aren’t words to fully describe who Kyrie Irving is to this team or what he means to us as an organization,” Harrison said. “Kyrie is the heart and soul of this team, and he has embraced the city of Dallas as his home and our fans as an extension of his own family.”

Harrison, who worked with Kobe Bryant during his tenure at Nike, invoked that connection when speaking about Irving’s discipline and mentality.

“His work ethic and absolute dedication to his craft, it’s cut from the cloth of greats. I know it, I lived it, and I see the same ferocity and passion in him that I saw in Kobe.”

As for the outlook, Harrison reiterated that Irving is a foundational piece of the Mavericks’ future.

“Kyrie is a big part of what our future is. That’s not going to change whether he opts in or opts out. We are confident that he will come back from this stronger than ever, just like he always has. When he’s back, we’ll be competing for a championship.”

The soonest the Mavericks can begin negotiating a new contract with Kyrie Irving is the day after the NBA Finals end, rather than waiting until June 30 as in previous years.