‘I’m Trying To Be Better’: Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving Eyes Stronger Return From ACL Injury
Kyrie Irving says his ACL rehab is not just about getting back to where he was — it’s about returning even stronger.
“I’ve been clear: I’m trying to be better than I was before, and that’s a hard task,” Irving said at Dallas Mavericks media day. “I felt like I was in a great rhythm, able to play 40-plus minutes. Now it’s about getting back mentally. Physically, my talent and skill will catch up over time.”
Irving tore the ACL in his left knee on March 3, the fourth surgery of his career. At 33 and entering his 15th NBA season, he acknowledged the difficulty of the process but stressed that he is on track.
“I’m right on schedule,” Irving said, repeating the phrase several times. Not ahead. Not behind. On schedule. Whatever the schedule is.
Jason Kidd’s Message Contradicts Nico Harrison
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd tried to temper speculation that Irving’s progress might be ahead of expectations, calling it “bad reporting.”
“You know I don’t do well with the medical — I’m not a doctor. When we do see Kai shooting, can we just refrain from saying ‘ahead of schedule’? That’s bad reporting,” Kidd said. “He’s doing quite well, as we can see. But he’s not ahead of schedule. So let’s not say that. That’s unfair to him and to the Mavs because it’s not true. Now, is he on schedule? It looks like. So a lot of positive things are happening. But to report he’s ahead of schedule is not accurate.”
The message clashed with general manager Nico Harrison’s comments in July during NBA Summer League. At the time, Harrison used the exact phrase that Kidd called out journalists for using.
“Kyrie is ahead of schedule, but we kind of knew he would be because of the way he attacks his rehab,” Harrison said at the time. “He’s going 2-3 times a day. But we don’t want him to rush it, as much as he wants to rush it. He’s going to be fine.”
Kyrie Irving on Recovery and Contract
Irving described the recovery process as “up and down, emotionally,” but said he’s tried to focus on enjoying the journey.
“It’s been up and down emotionally. There are good days where you make progress, and then other days where you want to push your body but can’t,” Irving said. “Still, it’s been a great journey. I’ve connected with others who’ve torn their ACL or dealt with traumatic injuries. We saw a few star players go down this year, and we’re all praying for each other, showing our progress.
“The best advice I got was to take my time. No timeline is perfect. Don’t compare it to anyone else — just enjoy the process. That’s what I’ve been doing.”
The nine-time All-Star averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists before the injury. In free agency, he signed a three-year, $119 million contract — a reduction from the $43 million he could have made by exercising his player option — that helped the Mavericks add guard D’Angelo Russell.
“At first, it was tough even to watch the play back. That heartbreak stayed with me for about a week,” Irving said. “Where we were in the season wasn’t ideal — dealing with a very public trade and a lot of outside noise. When I got hurt, it felt like pressure was mounting. I thought about my contract year, my value, negotiations. I felt I was top 15 in the world, showing up every night. That wasn’t the position you want to be in heading into talks.
“But I took it in stride. My stepmom and agent, Shetellia, helped me with communication and building my contract the way I saw fit,” he explained. “People can debate the number, but I’m grateful. We have depth now, and I don’t mind sacrificing. Sometimes you give up money to have the best team and compete for a title. That’s better than everything being on my shoulders, or AD’s, or Cooper’s.”
Longevity and Championships
Irving said the injury has made him think more about his basketball mortality, though he emphasized he’s not ready to slow down.
“I have to be pretty crazy and maniacal to come back (from) knee surgery after knee surgery – this is the fourth one,” he said. “I don’t take that for granted. I know there is going to be a time when I have to look myself in the mirror and be honest.”
“Now is not that time. It’s a few years away,” he added. “I’m at least trying to beat some of my predecessors in terms of how long they played, whether it be 18, 19, 20 years. NBA history is very important to me, it’s been shaped by a lot of great people who have done great things on the court and off the court. I just try to follow that, while also working on a retirement plan while I’m actively playing.”
He said preparing for life after basketball is now part of his outlook.
“It’s not getting ready for retirement, it’s just preparing for what your life is going to look like outside the game,” Irving said. “I take those things seriously, my passions outside the game and I try to develop them.”
But for now, his focus remains firmly on the Mavericks’ title aspirations.
“At the same time, I know I’m singularly focused on winning championships and being the best I can be and putting my best foot forward not only for our team, but for our fans and community,” he said.
The Mavericks open training camp Tuesday in Vancouver, with Irving’s return still a matter of patience — and ambition to come back stronger than ever.
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