Feb 21, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11), forward Naji Marshall (13), guard Max Christie (0,0) and forward P.J. Washington (25) celebrate after Irving makes a three-point shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

'This Break Has Been Wonderful for Me'- Why Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving Calls His Knee Injury a Blessing in Disguise

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 8:31 PM ET

Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving tore his left ACL last March, and he has been working his way back ever since. Five months into his recovery, Irving is no longer using any support during a basketball workout.

Speaking in his recent Twitch stream, Irving got candid about how his knee injury affected him. However, while it was a blow, the Dallas Mavericks guard feels that the injury had bigger positives than negatives.

“Feel like I’ve added a few years on my career to be honest with you. I definitely feel like this break has been wonderful for me,” Irving explained.

Feb 21, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks on after he makes a three-point shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

“I was definitely, definitely putting in so much work over these last few years. It’s the longest I’ve had a chance to be able to take a moment, enjoy the successes that have come over the past few years. Reflect on some of the failures that have helped me grow, and the lessons that came from them. And then not take, at times, myself too serious, or be too hypercritical,” he added.

Dallas Mavericks News: Klay Thompson drops hint at post-NBA plans

In other Dallas Mavericks-related news, Klay Thompson recently floated the idea of joining Ice Cube’s BIG3 league once he is done with the NBA. The four-time NBA champion is nearing the twilight of his career, as he’s approaching 36.

Feb 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

“Absolutely, especially with that four-point ball,” Thompson said on the Showtime with Coop podcast. “That gets me excited. I want the BIG3 to go international. That’d be so fun to see the BIG3 go overseas and do a tour.”

Thompson did well in his first full season with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 41/39/91 shooting clips across 72 regular season appearances.