Kyrie Irving Injury: Aiming for January return

The Mavericks have optimism that Irving (knee) could be ready to make his 2025-26 debut in January, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Irving tore the ACL in his left knee in a March 3 game and underwent surgery March 26. Though the surgery went as expected and he's responded well to the early stages of his rehab, Irving will still be in line for an extended absence to begin the upcoming season. Of course, given that Irving has multiple checkpoints to clear in the recovery process, a January return is far from assured. A more precise target for Irving's 2025-26 debut could come into focus during training camp in the fall, when he may be ready to resume some on-court work.