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Why Mavericks made the right call in shutting down Kyrie Irving

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 10:09 AM ET

The Mavericks officially shut down Kyrie Irving for the remainder of the season, and it’s hard to argue with the decision.

According to Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News, Dallas opted for caution with Irving’s surgically repaired left knee, prioritizing long-term health over a late-season return that wouldn’t have meaningfully changed the big picture.

By the time Irving is back on an NBA floor, Curtis notes it will have been close to 600 days since his last extended stretch of on-court action. That’s a massive gap, particularly for a 32-year-old guard with multiple knee procedures and a game built on sharp movement and creativity.

Yes, there was value in seeing Irving share the floor with rookie cornerstone Cooper Flagg. Chemistry matters. But rushing Irving back carried far more downside than upside, especially for a team with eyes on its next competitive window.

New story: The Mavs officially shut down Kyrie Irving yesterday, ending the rampant speculation regarding his playing status for this season.

It's the right decision for several reasons, including Irving's longterm health & the team's lottery chances. https://t.co/KbjZ9IIzIR

— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) February 19, 2026

There’s also the standings reality. Dallas is better served protecting Irving and improving its draft position than chasing marginal wins down the stretch. That’s not punting a season. That’s roster management.

Irving, for his part, sounded aligned with the plan.

“I am looking forward to coming back stronger next season,” Irving said. “The belief and drive I have inside only grows.”

For Dallas, this was the rare call that checks every box. Protect the player. Protect the asset. Think beyond April.

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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