Kyrie Irving, point guard for the Dallas Mavericks, made an intriguing statement last week on his return to the court schedule.
Last season, Irving had surgery in April after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in March.
Fans of the Mavericks weren’t thrilled with the superstar nine-time All-Star’s answer during an online stream when asked if he will return for next season’s playoffs.
So, man, I’m taking it easy on the health regimen and trying to relish in this recuperation period. It is unsightly.
Every day, I experience the emotional ups and downs of wanting to be back out there, even though it’s a wonderful fight.
General manager Nico Harrison of the Mavericks has finally delivered an update on Kyrie… and this one is a bit easier for fans to understand.
“Kyrie is ahead of schedule, but we kind of knew he would be because of the way he attacks his rehab,” Harrison said during an interview following the Mavericks’ third Summer League game in Las Vegas. The team lost to the Charlotte Hornets 87-69.
We don’t want him to hurry as much as he wants to rush, even though he goes two or three times a day. He’s gonna be alright.
It’s not happening anytime soon, Irving said. It in no way indicates that I will not return… Predicting my return time is not something I am comfortable doing.
I merely desire to improve myself one hundred fifty percent.
Irving was initially projected to return in January or February, but with Dallas’ moves this offseason, the ball-handler can afford to wait until he is closer to full strength and confidence before coming back.
Dallas signed stop-gap point guard D’Angelo Russell to a two-year free agency contract, presumably to fill Irving’s spot in the starting lineup. The Mavericks also re-signed veteran guard Dante Exum to sure up the bench unit’s offense.
An interesting development that will be followed next year is star rookie Cooper Flagg’s potential to run the show from the point. The 6-9 forward has superb offensive skills for his age, providing massive upside for head coach Jason Kidd as another player available that can facilitate while Irving is out.
The Mavericks’ start to the season may be the biggest driving factor in Kyrie’s return, as Dallas isn’t a legitimate title contender until they bring back their near 25 point-per-game point guard.
“Ahead of schedule” is a good update for now, but there is a long road to travel in Irving’s “beautiful struggle.”
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