Kyrie Irving nears full return after ACL recovery

Kyrie Irving has delivered the clearest update yet on his recovery, confirming he is nearing full strength after the ACL tear that sidelined him for the entire 2025‑26 campaign. The Dallas Mavericks guard, who will begin next season at 34, said he finally feels efficient again and expects to make his long‑awaited return in 2026‑27. Irving last played in 2024‑25, averaging 24.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists across 49 games, before the injury halted both his momentum and his anticipated partnership with rising star Cooper Flagg.

Speaking during a Twitch livestream, Irving explained that the toughest phase of rehabilitation is behind him, noting he feels “decisively close to being over 100%” in his ACL recovery. He added that the extended break allowed him to heal fully and reset physically after years of accumulated wear. His comeback stands as one of the most anticipated storylines of the Mavericks’ offseason.