Kyrie Irving Returns to Mavericks to Pair With Cooper Flagg
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving announced that he is under no physical restrictions following a 19-month absence due to a torn ACL in his left knee, declaring himself ready for the upcoming NBA season during the team’s preseason media day.
Recovery and Reflection After a 19-Month Sideline
Sidelined since March 3, 2025, the 34-year-old veteran described the extensive recovery period as a positive turning point. “Probably the best thing that happened to me,” Irving said during his first public address since the injury. Addressing inevitable external doubts regarding his return, Irving maintained his trademark self-assurance. “I have the confidence of a champion… This is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately type of league, and everybody wants to see it up close. So, I’m looking forward to being able to lace up my shoes and being on the court with my teammates and show everybody what I got again. It’s just like riding a bike.”
Team president Masai Ujiri confirmed the player’s readiness during media availability. “In terms of health, he’s right there,” Ujiri said. “You hope he plays games and he gets right back into it.” Beyond physical rehabilitation, Irving noted that the prolonged layoff provided essential space for personal growth. At 34 years old and entering his 16th professional season, the nine-time All-Star emphasized a renewed focus on leadership, communication, and emotional vulnerability.
A Revamped Franchise and Coaching Staff
Irving returns to a heavily restructured organization following a difficult 26-56 lottery finish last season—the franchise’s worst record in eight years. In response to the struggles, the front office underwent significant changes. Masai Ujiri assumed leadership as team president in early May, subsequently hiring Dusty May in late June to replace Jason Kidd as head coach. May transitions directly from the collegiate ranks after leading Michigan to the previous season’s NCAA title, marking the first direct college-to-NBA coaching hire since John Beilein took over the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019.
When asked about managing an experienced locker room anchored by a seasoned star, May expressed a collaborative philosophy. “Kyrie has seen and done as much as just about anyone in the association,” May said. “I would expect that I’m only going to coach him when I’m able to add value.”
Pairing with Cooper Flagg and Roster Continuity
The upcoming campaign marks Irving’s first on-court partnership with Cooper Flagg, who earned unanimous Kia Rookie of the Year honors last season as the No. 1 overall pick in 2025. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to grow with him,” Irving said of the young forward. “High-level basketball players, no matter the age – you put us out there, we’re going to win some ballgames.” Flagg echoed the sentiment regarding their offseason workouts. “The time that we’ve been able to spend in the summer on the court together has been good for both of us to kind of build that connection,” Flagg said.
Alongside the integration of high-profile young talent, the franchise preserved a degree of veteran continuity by announcing the re-signing of Dwight Powell on Friday. Powell remains the longest-tenured player on the roster, having joined the club in December 2014 via a trade from Boston during his rookie season.
Preseason and Regular Season Schedule
The newly configured Mavericks squad will immediately test its chemistry on an international stage, traveling to Macao, China, for two preseason games against the Houston Rockets starting October 9. Dallas will then tip off the regular season on the road against Houston on October 21, followed by its home opener at the American Airlines Center on October 24 against the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs.
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