Kyrie Irving excited for NBA return after 19-month injury layoff

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has expressed his excitement about returning to competitive basketball after a 19-month absence caused by a torn ACL. The nine-time NBA All-Star is preparing to make his comeback during the NBA China Games in Macau as he continues his recovery.

The 34-year-old suffered the injury in March 2025 during the opening quarter of Dallas’ defeat to the Sacramento Kings. Despite the severity of the injury, Irving remained on the court to take two free throws before leaving the game in tears.

The injury ruled him out for the final 20 games of the 2024-25 NBA season, during which he averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals across 50 appearances. He subsequently missed the entire 2025-26 campaign while recovering.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Friday’s pre-season meeting with the Houston Rockets, Irving provided a positive update on his conditioning and return to action.

“Conditioning is going great. I feel great,” Irving said, while acknowledging the challenges of readjusting to the physical demands of professional basketball.

The veteran guard explained that practices and scrimmages have been important in helping him assess his progress, rebuild his instincts and regain confidence in his movements on the court.

“Practices do wonders but the game is, it can’t be recreated,” he added.

Irving also spoke enthusiastically about the prospect of playing in front of fans again as he prepares to take another step towards a full return.

“So I’m excited to strap up my boots, get out there, throw on my uniform, play in front of these great fans here, and continue to have a strong pre-season,” he said.

Mavericks Begin New Era Around Cooper Flagg

Irving’s anticipated return comes as Dallas continues to reshape its roster and establish a new direction following the blockbuster trade that sent Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025.

The Mavericks are now building around Cooper Flagg, the first overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft and the reigning Rookie of the Year. The franchise is also entering a new coaching era under first-year head coach Dusty May, who arrived after leading Michigan to a national championship.

Flagg, 19, welcomed the opportunity to share the court with Irving, recognising the experience and talent the veteran guard brings to the team.

“I’m really excited to be able to share the court with Kyrie. He’s obviously a special, special player,” Flagg said.

The Mavericks will face the Houston Rockets again on Sunday in the second of two pre-season games in Macau, giving Irving another opportunity to build match fitness ahead of the new campaign.

Dallas finished 12th in the Western Conference last season and missed out on the playoffs. With Irving working towards his return and Flagg taking on a central role in the team’s future, the Mavericks will be looking to make progress in the upcoming NBA season.