For Kyrie Irving, the past six months have been a test of patience, discipline, and resilience. After tearing his ACL in March during a game against the Sacramento Kings, the Dallas Mavericks star underwent surgery that many feared could sideline him for the entirety of the 2025–26 season.
But according to Dallas Hoops Journal, Irving’s recovery is ahead of schedule; a development that has injected optimism into the Mavericks’ locker room and fan base alike.
At 33 years old, Irving’s injury was more than just a physical setback; it was a challenge to the longevity of his career. ACL tears are notoriously difficult to overcome, especially for guards whose games rely on agility, explosiveness, and sharp changes of direction. Yet, Irving has approached rehab with the same meticulousness that defines his on-court artistry.
By late August, just five months post-surgery, Irving was already back in the gym, working on controlled basketball activities. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison confirmed the encouraging progress, noting that while the team won’t rush him back, the signs are “very promising.”
Dallas enters the new season with a roster featuring Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. While the Mavericks have the depth to remain competitive without Irving early on, his eventual return could be the difference between a playoff berth and a legitimate title run.
Head coach Jason Kidd has emphasized patience, stressing that the team’s priority is ensuring Irving returns fully healthy rather than prematurely. Still, the possibility of Irving rejoining the lineup earlier than expected has sparked excitement.
Irving himself has been cautiously optimistic. Speaking recently, he described his rehab as “healing up great” and emphasized the importance of rest, focus, and avoiding distractions during the process.
While no official timeline has been set, speculation suggests Irving could return sometime in the second half of the season, potentially giving Dallas a late-season boost.
