Kyrie Irving Delays Return: “He’ll Be Back at 1000% to Chase a Title”
Kyrie Irving will not return to the court this season: after tearing his ACL, the decision is to take all the time necessary to come back at full strength in 2026-27
The Dallas Mavericks will be without the former Brooklyn Nets guard for the entire 2025-26 season. Kyrie Irving has decided not to rush his recovery after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last March and will make his return directly in 2026-27.
A strong but calculated decision. No race against time, no shortcuts. There is only one goal: to come back as the best possible version of himself.
Kyrie Irving’s Decision: Full Recovery Comes First
According to ESPN, via agent Shetellia Riley Irving, the decision was made with a clear and ambitious outlook:
This is about making sure Kyrie is at 1000% when he returns and giving him the best opportunity to chase a championship next season.
Shetellia Riley Irving
The priority isn’t returning a few months earlier, but giving the body the time it needs to fully recover from one of the most delicate injuries for an NBA athlete.
ACL Injury: Why Not Rushing Can Make the Difference
An ACL tear typically requires a long, progressive recovery timeline. Many players return within 8 to 12 months, but the first year back doesn’t always coincide with a full return to pre-injury form.
Irving’s decision appears aimed precisely at that: avoiding setbacks, muscular compensations, or a loss of explosiveness that could compromise long-term performance.
In other words, sacrificing one season to extend his competitive window.
Championship Aspirations in 2026-27
The agent’s statement leaves little room for doubt: the plan is clearly to return ready to compete at the highest level. Not a symbolic comeback, but a return with legitimate championship ambitions.
For a player of his caliber, time management becomes part of the strategy. Better to line up for the 2026-27 season in ideal condition than to return earlier without full physical guarantees.