Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd downplayed reports that star point guard Kyrie Irving is ahead of schedule in his return from a torn ACL.
Addressing the matter at Media Day on Monday, Kidd said Irving is doing “quite well” but that labeling him “ahead of schedule is not fair.”
The team has not provided an official timeline for Irving, who sustained the season-ending injury to his left knee on March 3. Earlier reports suggested an optimistic return date in early January.
Irving, 33, averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals in 50 starts before the injury, garnering his ninth All-Star selection.
This summer, Irving declined his $43 million player option for 2025-26 and agreed to a new three-year, $119 million deal with the Mavericks.
Irving said he’s “grateful” he opted for less money than a “max” level deal to have a better team with depth to withstand losses such as his last season.
“Now we have the team, and the depth. I didn’t mind sitting down and allowing others to be in position to run the team until I could get back,” Irving said Monday. “I’m grateful I did what I did because now we have the team, and the depth. … As we all say, ‘let’s get all your money.’ But if you sacrifice a little bit of money you can have the best team or be up there as a contender. I’m grateful we put this team together.”
Meanwhile, Dallas centers Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively have both been cleared for training camp.
Davis is returning from July 8 eye surgery and told reporters Monday he will wear protective goggles for the rest of his career.
Davis, 32, a 10-time All-Star, averaged 20.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.2 blocks in nine starts for Dallas after being acquired in the deal that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lively, 21, underwent surgery on July 15 to clean up bone spurs in his right foot. He averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 boards and 2.4 assists in 36 games (29 starts) in his second season with Dallas in 2024-25.
The Mavericks and 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg will open the regular season at home against the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 22.
–Field Level Media
