Kyrie ready to wreak havoc after long recovery from ACL

== sync, corrected by elderman == @elder_man

Dallas Veteran shooter Kyrie Irving has stated that he is not physically constrained by the anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee, which took him out of action 19 months ago. He called the contusion "probably the best thing that ever happened to me".

The announcement was made Friday during the Mavericks' preseason press day, and marked the first time Irving has spoken to reporters since his March 3 injury.2025

Context: injury, time off and return to court

Irving, 34, said he was ready to get back on the court and play without limitations.

The player acknowledged that doubts about his physical condition and level of play should arise. "I know the critics and some questions about where I will be are inevitable, but for me I have a champion's confidence", he said.

For Irving, the league is driven by what the athlete delivers in that moment. "This is a league of 'what have you done for me lately,' and everyone wants to see it up close". So I'm looking forward to being able to tie my sneakers, be on court with my teammates and show everybody what I got again. It's like riding a bike", he added.

New franchise president Masai Ujiri said in terms of health that Irving is "very close to it".

Development: change of command and past season marked by reconstruction

Irving and the entire Mavericks will be playing for a revamped franchise after last season, when Dallas finished 26-56 in the draft - the team's worst record in eight years.

Ujiri was hired in early May.[citation needed] In June, he brought on Dusty May as coach to replace Jason Kidd.

Asked about being a rookie NBA coach commanding Irving, May responded with caution and respect for the player's history. "Kyrie has seen and done as much as virtually anyone in the association. I will wait to train him only when I can add value", May said.

Progress: Irving, Flagg and the connection to the cast

Irving, a nine-time All-Star will have the chance to play alongside Cooper Flagg, last season's unanimous rookie of the year.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity of growing up with him", Irving said.

Flagg also highlighted the expectation of sharing a court with Irving. "Having someone like that on your court all the time is going to be amazing". The time we spent together on the court over the summer was good for both of us building this connection.

In Friday's announcement, the Mavericks also confirmed renewal with Dwight Powell.

Schedule: pre-season in Macau and regular season debut

Dallas begins the preseason with two games against the Houston Rockets in Macau, China on October 9 and 11.

The Mavericks' regular season begins on October 21 in Houston, with the first home game being played on October 24 against the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs.

Where is Dallas now?

The moment is one of controlled expectation. Irving says he's unrestricted physically and ready to return, but still needs to transform on-court speech after 19 months away.