Kyrie Irving ready to return to Dallas Mavericks after 19-month injury

Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving has announced his readiness to return to the court following a 19-month absence caused by a torn left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) suffered in March 2025. Speaking at the team's preseason media day, the 34-year-old guard stated he faces no physical restrictions and expressed high confidence in his ability to compete.

Irving described the long recovery period in surprisingly positive terms, calling the injury “probably the best thing that has happened to me.” Despite acknowledging that skeptics may question his form after such a lengthy hiatus, Irving maintained that he possesses the “confidence of a champion.”

Mavericks head coach Dusty May reported that Irving appears to be at 100% capacity during training camp. Teammates P. J. Washington and Naji Marshall also expressed enthusiasm regarding his return, noting that his skill level and movement appear unchanged. His return is viewed as a critical boost for the Mavericks' offensive capabilities.