Kyrie ready to 'kick some butt' after lengthy ACL recovery

Kyrie Irving has no restrictions after a 19-month recovery from a torn ACL in his left knee, an injury he referred to as "probably the best thing that happened to me." During the Dallas Mavericks' preseason media day on September 25, 2026, Irving, now 34, expressed his eagerness to return to the game, stating, "I'm ready to go out there and kick some butt." This marks the first time he spoke to reporters since his injury on March 3, 2025.

Irving acknowledged the skeptics questioning his readiness but maintained confidence, saying, "I have the confidence of a champion." He emphasized the reality of the league, which often focuses on recent performance, adding, "... This is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately type of league, and everybody wants to see it up close. So I'm looking forward to being able to lace up my shoes and being on the court with my teammates and show everybody what I got again. It's just like riding a bike."

New Mavericks team president Masai Ujiri affirmed that Irving is in good health, hoping he quickly reintegrates into competitive play. Irving reflected on his time away from the game, expressing a desire to improve as a leader and a communicator. He stated, "How can people look to me to be a better leader, a better communicator, be more emotional, vulnerable. And also taking the approach of acting like my age finally. Being 34 years old, I'm going on Year 16."

The Mavericks are looking to bounce back following a disappointing 26-56 finish last season, their worst record in eight years. Ujiri was appointed in early May, and on June 30, he hired Dusty May as the new coach, marking a significant shift in the team's direction. May, who previously led Michigan to the NCAA title, will be the first coach to transition directly from college basketball to an NBA head job since John Beilein in 2019.

Irving, a nine-time All-Star, is set to play alongside rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, last season’s unanimous Rookie of the Year. Irving expressed excitement about building a connection with Flagg, stating, "I’m looking forward to the opportunity to grow with him. High-level basketball players, no matter the age -- you put us out there, we’re going to win some ballgames." Flagg also shared his enthusiasm for playing with Irving, saying, "Having somebody like that out there on the court with you at all times is going to be amazing."

The Mavericks have also re-signed Dwight Powell, who has been with the franchise since December 2014. Dallas will kick off their preseason with two games against the Houston Rockets in Macao, China, on October 9 and 11, followed by their regular-season opener at Houston on October 21 and a home opener against the San Antonio Spurs on October 24.