Kyrie Irving didn’t rush back and made no promises.
The Dallas Mavericks guard spoke publicly about his recovery from the ACL tear, showing that he is not sure if he will return to the 2026 NBA playoffs in time.
“Don’t hold your breath, do you know what I’m talking about?” Irving said when asked about a possible playoff return. “It doesn’t mean I’m not going to be back. It’s just that I don’t want to make any predictions. I just want to come back 150,000%. I’m going to take a little time to really be healthy now, I’ll take a little time to really get my body right, really body right, really healing process, it’s not very beautiful. Yes. Yes.
Kyrie Irving If He Will Return to the Playoffs:
“Don’t hold your breath…I just want to come back 150,000%. I’m taking the time to be really healthy now…I just want to come back there.”
(Through the stream in Kairi) #NBA pic.twitter.com/tvzdlaiwpy
– Swish Access (@swishaccess) July 6, 2025
The Mavericks added D’Angelo Russell to free agents to help fill the gaps in Irving’s recovery.
They also chose Cooper Flagg as the top pick in the NBA draft to strengthen the frontcourt that already features Anthony Davis.
This is not Irving’s first major injury setback. He broke his bones with Cleveland in the 2015 NBA Finals and didn’t return until December of next season.
Irving, 33, remains a key part of Dallas’ hope for a deep playoff season. But his focus is on his health.
If Irving can rejoin their roster late in the season, it is expected to compete in the West.
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