The fact that Kyrie Irving isn’t rushing anything is obvious. As expected, however, nobody on the internet paid attention.
Many in the basketball community are worried that the nine-time NBA All-Star may not be able to play again in time for the 2026 playoffs after an old remark he made on a casual livestream surfaced.
What is true? Irving restated what he and the club have previously said: he is still working through his recovery from ACL surgery and is being very careful.
When asked on a previous webcast if he will be back for the 2026 playoffs, Irving said, “Don’t hold your breath on that.” What this means is that I will definitely return.
I simply do not wish to provide any indication of when my return will be.
I simply desire to return with an improved state. Even though the comment was made weeks ago, it wasn’t until Sunday that Swish Access released it as a new clip, starting an aggregation news cycle, that it started circulating widely on social media.
Nothing has changed, but it caused people to overreact over Irving’s long-term health and the Mavericks’ playoff aspirations.
In the aftermath of Irving’s ACL injury against the Sacramento Kings on March 3, Dallas has maintained an optimistic public stance regarding his future.
Irving and head coach Jason Kidd have stressed that any timetable is provisional and would be determined by Irving’s reaction to rehabilitation in the months ahead, even if the initial projection was for a nine to twelve month recovery.
“We know [Kyrie] won’t be back until January, February, March,” Kidd stated earlier this offseason.
I prefer not to be held to the standard of, ‘Well you said January.’ Therefore, I refrained from imposing a deadline. But if [Kyrie] is any indication, he will attempt to return shortly.
Irving, who had surgery a little over three weeks after the injury, has spoken frankly about the mental and emotional toll that healing has taken on him.
The situation is “ugly,” Irving remarked. It is a wonderful fight, for sure, but every day I feel like I’m on a mental rollercoaster. I simply long to get back in the game.
The Mavericks are preparing for Irving’s return as soon as he is healthy, not any time soon.
Until then, the highly anticipated No. 1 overall choice from this year’s NBA Draft, guard D’Angelo Russell, and top pick Cooper Flagg will likely play pivotal roles in Dallas’s backcourt.
Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in an unexpected midseason move, which occurred during a difficult stretch for Dallas, which also included Irving’s injury.
The Mavericks have kept their focus on building a championship-caliber team around Anthony Davis and Flagg despite all the turmoil, and Irving’s new contract extension further solidifies his long-term commitment.
By forgoing his $43 million player option for the 2025–26 season, the Mavericks formally re-signed Irving to a three-year, $119 million contract, which includes a player option for the 2027–28 season.
The arrangement is similar to Davis’s, and it gives Dallas time to adjust to its new core over several years. In 50 games last season, Irving shot 47.3% from the field, 40.1% from deep, and 91.6% from the free throw line.
He averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals. He is second all-time in Dallas franchise history for scoring average (min. 100 games) after joining the Mavericks in February 2023, when he averaged 25.5 points per game.
His worth to the Mavericks has always been acknowledged, and they are still on the same page on his objectives for his rehabilitation.
Irving values his long-term health more than immediate gratification, even though it means he might miss a large chunk of the next season.
“This is a unique opportunity, both for my career and for the legacy of the Dallas Mavericks,” Irving stated on NBA TV, emphasizing the possibility of accomplishing something remarkable.
The Dallas Mavericks are living through an exciting period. Being a Dallas Maverick fan right now is so thrilling.
So, although the internet may have made a big deal out of a single comment, the reality is that Irving is getting better, is focused, and is committed—but he is taking his time.
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