The Mavericks are optimistic that Kyrie Irving could be playing again by January, Shams Charania of ESPN said on Wednesday during an appearance on NBA Countdown (Twitter video link).
Irving suffered a torn ACL in his left knee on March 3 and underwent surgery about three weeks later. The team didn’t provide a recovery timetable following the procedure, but players can often take a year or more to come back from ACL tears. If Charania’s timeline is accurate, Irving is on track to fully recover within about 10 months.
The 33-year-old guard was playing at an All-NBA level before the untimely injury, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists through 50 games with .473/.401/.916 shooting numbers. In February, he was selected as an All-Star for the ninth time in his career.
The loss of Irving sent the Mavs into a spiral that resulted in a 39-43 record, a 10th-place finish in the West and a spot in tonight’s play-in game. They were often short on personnel as their two-way players used up their eligibility, and they were unable to fill an open roster spot until April 10 due to a first-apron hard cap.
The more immediate issue with Irving is a nearly $44MM player option that he holds for next season. His decision is due by June 25, and Charania hears that the Mavericks would prefer to sign him to a new three-year contract. That would align him with Anthony Davis as well as general manager Nico Harrison.
I must be the only person to think the team is in better shape after the trade. Nico and I. 280 Luka needs to be a 230 at the most . If silver helps Dallas win a title I’m laughing at you all
Nico is an imbecile for making this deal and so is the other guy that thinks the Mavs are better off after the trade.
Yes, you are the only person that thinks the Mavs are better off with a bunch in mid-30s, often injured players than a 25-year old 5-time all NBA superstar.
Mavs should of gotten another pick. Cause AD was hurt. I think ownership did not want to pay him. I wouldn’t either. He’s a one way talent. With Kyrie injury makes it worse. Nico is going to take the fall.
Playoffs only
Fully healthy Mavs are as good as Thunder
It seems that ALL west playoffs teams are as good as Thunder
Hilarious and WRONG.
Damn kyrie injured…
Nico Harrisons plan could work…but only if
– AD and Kyrie stay healthy and play on Allstar Level until 36
– and AD recognizes he cannot play PF next to an non Shooting Center
– or AD Starts Shooting 10 threes a game hitting 40%
Who wants to bet his Job on that to happen? Nico did.
Or he simply did his Job after ownership decided to part with Luka. Than he has to Fired for the return
He had the surgery on the 26th of March. For Kyrie to play by January would be an 8 month recovery time, end of January would be 9 months.
The Mavs’ “optimism” seems to be misguided, as Kyrie might see it as pressure to return too soon.