Kyrie Irving is taking his first visible steps toward a return. The Dallas Mavericks guard was shown on video working out at the NBPA facility in New York, five months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. The footage, posted by Overtime, captured Irving moving comfortably on the court, working on technique on floaters and finishes.
The workout is the clearest indication yet that Irving is advancing in his rehabilitation. He has kept most of his progress private, offering only occasional updates. Earlier this week, he said he was “healing up great” and described his approach as “incremental growth.”
Visible Progress in Kyrie Irving’s Rehab
The Mavericks have been careful not to attach a timetable to his return, but the sight of Irving with a ball in his hands offered Dallas a measure of encouragement. While timelines are tough to gauge, DallasHoopsJournal.com has previously reported there being optimism about a return before the All-Star break.
Irving suffered the injury on March 3 and had surgery on March 26 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Dr. Riley J. Williams, who has worked with numerous professional athletes, performed the operation.
Irving said on Aug. 26 that the five-month mark brought him into a new stage of his recovery. Athletes returning from ACL surgery generally require eight to 12 months, which projects his return for sometime in 2026. Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said Irving is “ahead of schedule” but emphasized the team will not rush the process.
Continued Commitment to Dallas Mavericks
Irving reaffirmed his commitment to the Mavericks this summer, signing a three-year, $119 million contract. Harrison called him a “cornerstone piece” and praised his dedication to rehab, drawing comparisons to Kobe Bryant’s demanding recovery habits.
Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 50 games last season, making his ninth All-Star team. Dallas missed the playoffs but landed the No. 1 pick, using it to select Flagg, a highly regarded forward who is expected to be a major part of the team’s future.
Irving has framed his recovery as both physical and spiritual. He has thanked fans for their support and urged patience as he recovers from the most significant injury of his career. The latest footage does not signal a return date, but it shows progress that will be closely monitored by a franchise counting on his leadership.
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