Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving declared during the team’s preseason media day that he carries zero physical restrictions following the left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear that sidelined him for 19 months. Speaking publicly for the first time since his March 3, 2025 injury, the 34-year-old veteran described the grueling recovery period as a transformative phase for both his career and his personal outlook.
“I’m ready to go out there and kick some ass,” Irving told reporters. “I know the doubters or some of the questions about where I’m going to be are going to be inevitable. But I have the confidence of a champion. This is a ‘what have you done for me lately?’ league, and everyone wants to see it up close. So I’m really looking forward to being able to tie my shoes and be on the floor with my teammates and show everybody what I’ve got again. It’s like riding a bike.”
Front Office and Coaching Staff Perspectives
Newly appointed team president Masai Ujiri expressed strong confidence in the 16-year veteran’s readiness as the organization enters a fresh chapter. “Health-wise, it’s right there,” Ujiri said. “You expect him to play games and get right back into the thick of things.”
The Mavericks underwent a sweeping structural overhaul after concluding the previous campaign with a 26-56 record, marking the franchise’s lowest win total in eight seasons. Ujiri assumed leadership in early May and subsequently appointed Dusty May as head coach in late June to succeed Jason Kidd. May arrives in the NBA after guiding Michigan to an NCAA championship last season, marking the first time a head coach has stepped directly from the college ranks to an NBA sideline since John Beilein took over the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019.
“Kyrie has seen and done just about as much as anyone in the league. I would expect me to only coach him when I can add value,” May said regarding the dynamic of managing a nine-time All-Star as a rookie NBA head coach.
Irving reflected that the lengthy layoff provided valuable introspection. “About where I want to be as a player, and most importantly, where I want to be as a man,” Irving explained. “How people can look at me to be a better leader, a better communicator, be more emotional, vulnerable. And also adopting the approach of finally acting my age. At 34, going into my 16th year, I’ve been through a lot, a lot of ups and downs as a person. But I think as a competitor out there, you never have to worry about me falling short of giving my absolute best.”
A New Partnership With Cooper Flagg
A primary storyline for Dallas centers on Irving pairing alongside Cooper Flagg, who earned unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year honors last season.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to grow with him,” Irving said. “High-level basketball players, no matter the age: you put us out there and we’re going to win some games.”
Flagg echoed that enthusiasm regarding their shared floor time. “Having someone like that out there on the court with you at all times is going to be unbelievable,” Flagg said. “The time we’ve been able to spend this summer on the court together has been good for both of us, building that connection. I’m super excited. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun sharing the floor.”
Ujiri acknowledged the intrigue surrounding the roster’s new alignment. “The uniqueness of seeing what Kyrie, Cooper, that combination could do with all the players that we have, with Dusty, I’m curious to see what that looks like,” Ujiri noted.
The Mavericks also announced the contract renewal of Dwight Powell, the longest-tenured player on the roster, who originally joined the club via a December 2014 trade from Boston during his rookie season.
Upcoming Schedule
Dallas opens its preseason slate with a two-game series against the Houston Rockets in Macao, China, beginning on October 9. The Mavericks tip off the regular season against the Rockets in Houston on October 21, followed by their home opener on October 24 against the defending Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs.
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