The Dallas Mavericks have had an unfortunate start to the season, despite high offseason expectations. The team currently sits at a 4-10 record, 13th in the Western Conference, and Anthony Davis has joined Kyrie Irving on the injury list with a left calf injury. Now, with the team struggling despite #1 overall pick Cooper Flagg’s best efforts, the team might have just received a lifeline.
Veteran NBA insider Marc Spears recently reported that Irving is working out with the intention of returning this season, but more surprisingly, added that someone close to Kyrie’s camp said, “If this were the playoffs, he could play right now.” Suddenly, what once seemed like a closed door now appears to have cracked open.
However, Irving still has significant hurdles to overcome. After tearing the ACL in his left knee last year, he has undergone extensive monitoring and rehabilitation, and while his recovery may not be as public-facing as someone like Jayson Tatum, some reports suggest that he could return as soon as January 2026. If that were to happen, the team also hopes that Irving will be able to play a significant portion of the 2025-26 season as the team attempts to make a playoff push.