Kyrie Irving Could Return Soon, But There's Still No Time-Table

When will Kyrie Irving return from injury? It’s a question that NBA fans have been asking themselves all season long. Last year, Irving tore his ACL, and it was unclear if he would make a full recovery in time to play this season. That injury was almost a year ago. The typical timeline for that injury would suggest Kyrie could be returning very soon. 

Dallas Hoops Journal reported on what that might mean for Irving. 

“Multiple sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that Kyrie Irving is expected to be physically able to play after the All-Star break. That timeline aligns with conservative return-to-play benchmarks across the NBA. A 12-month recovery window following ACL surgery is widely viewed as allowing not just physical healing but full confidence in basketball movements. The Mavericks’ first game following the break comes on Feb. 20 against the Minnesota Timberwolves — just shy of the one-year anniversary of Irving’s injury…Kyrie Irving’s recovery has advanced steadily. Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that Irving has consistently engaged in workouts with assistant coach Phil Handy and participated in competitive one-on-one work with members of the coaching and development staff. During multiple recent workouts observed by DallasHoopsJournal.com, Irving moved fluidly through sustained drills and live-ball sequences. He changed directions without hesitation and maintained explosiveness in game-simulation settings. While those sessions do not signal imminent clearance, they reflect a meaningful progression into the final phases of rehabilitation.”

With all that said, there still doesn’t seem to be much buzz about Irving returning soon. It makes sense. The Mavericks have very little incentive to rush Irving back, and Irving has little incentive to come back. The Mavericks are headed for the lottery, and adding Irving to the rotation will only make it harder for them to land a top draft pick in this year’s NBA draft.

That’s why the Mavericks will likely wait as long as they can before bringing Irving back. It will make sure he is 100% healthy before returning, and that they can continue their tanking.