The Dallas Mavericks have had a rough start to the season, and the main reason behind their 12-23 slump is their guard Kyrie Irving’s absence. While they still have time to recover with Cooper Flagg and spurts of Anthony Davis fueling the team, their recent home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, which broke a five-game home win streak, may have gotten to the locker room. However, Irving has ensured that the team stays together through the shaky patch.

“Tribe, stay together no matter what. The Journey is the Reward🤞🏾🪶♾,” Irving posted on his X account.

On the floor, the Mavericks have struggled without Irving. The Mavs’ acquisition of D’Angelo Russell in the offseason fell flat, and with that, the team lacked a consistent playmaking option at the point guard position. While they have been relying on undrafted players Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard, the team still lacks the elite scoring from the number one spot.

Currently, the team sits at 13th in the West with a 12-23 record, fresh off a loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. To make things worse, the Mavs have lost four in a row and seven of their last 10, despite stellar performances from Flagg lately. However, for Irving, the more important thing to focus on is keeping the team from turning on each other as he makes consistent improvements after his left ACL tear.

The 33-year-old sustained the injury late in the first quarter of the Mavericks’ 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings on March 3 and underwent successful surgery to repair his torn ACL on March 26. The typical recovery time after an ACL surgery like Irving’s is six to 12 months. However, as head coach Jason Kidd mentioned before, Irving has been working out to return to the team in late January or around the All-Star week.

All of this chatter follows a recent update from veteran NBA insider Marc Stein. In an article on his Substack page, Stein reported that “there’s no firm return date in mind,” but that his timeline is “fluid” and he could even make a return this season if all things go well.

In public appearances made by Irving since his injury, he’s looked progressively better with a ball in his hands. However, the final decision will come down to Irving, his close ones, and the team. While the guard wishes to return as soon as possible, the team doesn’t mind waiting for him.

Why the Dallas Mavericks Are Willing to Wait on Kyrie Irving’s Return

Head coach Jason Kidd made it clear that Kyrie Irving’s return from injury isn’t a matter of waiting to heal, but giving him time to be the best version of himself. When talking to reporters earlier this season about the guard’s eventual return, Kidd emphasized a long-term timeline instead of rushing.

The waiting makes sense.

Irving walked off the floor months before Dallas acquired the first overall pick in the stellar Cooper Flagg. For now, they want to see how the veteran matches up with the rookie and Anthony Davis since their playing styles are complementary.’ Already, the Mavs have seen how AD and Irving can turn tables on their opponents before the injury.

Top Stories

Is Jaylen Brown Dating Kendall Jenner? Fact-Checking Viral Claim About Celtics Star

LeBron James Sends 5-Word Message After Bronny James’ G League Season-High Score

JJ Redick Under Fire After Blaming True Culprit Behind LeBron James & Lakers’ Troubles

Is Zion Williamson Playing Tonight? Pelicans vs Heat Latest Injury Report (Jan 4)

To date, the 33-year-old is one of the top guards in the league, and he wants to assert his dominance when he returns, as was visible by his mindset at the Mavs’ Media Day:

“I’m trying to be better than I was before.”