Irving is one of the best guards of his generation with a resume that includes a championship, nine All-Star nods, a Rookie of the Year and three All-NBA selections. He will be the leader of the team's backcourt once he does return, especially since Dončić is no longer on the roster. And that return is expected in January.

In a welcome boost for the Dallas Mavericks, NBA insider Shams Charania provided a new timeline for injured Kyrie Irving. According to reports, there’s “optimism” that All-Star guard Irving will return from his torn ACL in January and is expected to recover fully.

But sources told ESPN that Kyrie Irving is completing his rehab nicely, and could even return to the court as soon as January 2026, adding that there is "an expectation around the team that Irving will be able to play a good amount of the 2025-26 season upon his return“.