Report: Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving ahead of schedule in ACL recovery

Kyrie Irving is making progress. In fact, the Mavericks star is “ahead of schedule” in his recovery from ACL surgery, per NBA reporter Ashish Mathur of DallasHoopsJournal.

Irving tore the ligament in his left knee on March 3 against the Kings. There’s no official timetable for his return, and sources added the Mavericks won’t be in any hurry to rush him back.

Before the injury, Irving played in 50 games last season and averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals, while shooting 47 percent from the field, 40 percent from deep and nearly 92 percent from the line.

The Mavs signed Irving to a three-year, $118 million contract in July. He’ll make $36.6 million this season and holds a player option worth $42.4 million for 2027-28.

For now, Dallas is expected to roll out D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, rookie Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford as its starting five. Irving will slide back in once cleared, sending Russell to the bench.

Thompson, who spent years battling Irving in the Finals as a member of the Golden State Warriors, recently praised his new teammate on the Showtime With Michael Cooper podcast.

“He’s the toughest guy I’ve ever guarded,” Thompson said, mentioning Irving in the same breath as LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant. “He’s got no weaknesses in his game.”

Irving, 33, is a nine-time All-Star with career averages of 23.7 points and 5.6 assists. He won a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

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