Kyrie Irving will prove why the Mavericks made the right decision to shut him down

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving is fully healthy and prepared to return ahead of training camp for the 2026-27 NBA season. The All-Star guard has not played in an NBA game for approximately a year and a half, marking a 19-month absence by the start of the preseason.

Irving suffered a torn ACL in March 2025 during a season that also featured Dallas trading Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. Rather than rushing Irving back last season after subsequently trading Davis, the Mavericks intentionally shut him down to allow him complete rehab and recovery.