The Dallas Mavericks begin training camp in Vancouver, Canada, on Tuesday, though they’ll do so without star point guard Kyrie Irving.
The nine-time All-Star suffered a torn ACL in early March and isn’t expected to return until at least January. Recent clips of Irving putting up shots, however, fueled hope that he might return sooner than expected. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd quickly dispelled those rumors at Monday’s media day, providing a fresh update on the veteran’s recovery, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
“He is doing quite well, as we can see, but he’s not ahead of schedule, and so let’s not say that,” Kidd said. “That’s unfair to him and to the Mavs because it’s not true. Is he on schedule? It looks like it.”
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Kyrie Irving offers update on recovery
The Mavericks, looking to rebound after missing the postseason in the 2024-25 campaign, aren’t expected to rush the Duke product back. Irving also commented on his return timeline Monday, confirming Kidd’s assessment.
“I’m right on schedule, guys,” Irving said. “There’s consistency here. I’m right on schedule.”
Following Irving’s injury, the Mavericks signed D’Angelo Russell to a two-year, $11.7 million deal that includes a second-year player option. He is expected to start in Irving’s absence and will likely move to the bench once the superstar returns.
For now, Irving will focus on his rehab as the Mavericks prepare for their preseason opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 6.
When he returns, the 33-year-old will join a stacked starting five likely to feature Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg and Dereck Lively.
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