Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks star guard, is officially ready for his much anticipated return in the 2026-27 NBA season. After a brutal injury, the buzz around him is undeniable, and he looks absolutely dialed in for what’s coming.
No Signs of the Torn ACL: Kyrie Looks Electric
I’m telling you, this dude looked absolutely *electric* in a recent open run, moving like that torn ACL from way back in March 2025 was just a bad dream. Zero signs of being hampered, which is just huge news. We’re talking the *signature* handles, the ridiculous layups with that classic Kyrie flare. Defenders? Forget about it. He was eluding them off the dribble, finishing tough shots in the air. That speed and ball control are *still* there, apparently. The guy, who Dallas traded for back on February 6, 2023, and has suited up for them in 108 regular season games, missed the entire 2025-26 season after suffering that torn ACL. But he’s back to 100% and that’s the bottom line. He even played against some serious talent in that run, with NBA players like Kyle Anderson and other pros like Eli Carter and Tyson Etienne pushing him.
Dynamic Duo and the Stakes for Dallas
This isn’t just about Kyrie getting healthy, it’s about what he brings to the table. The 34-year-old is entering his 16th season, a wild thought for a guy who feels like he just burst onto the scene. Remember, the Cleveland Cavaliers picked him No. 1 overall in 2011 out of Duke. He’s been an NBA champion in 2016, a three-time All-NBA selection, an All-Star Game MVP, a 3-point contest champ, and even Rookie of the Year. His career averages of 23.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.3 steals tell you everything you need to know about his all-around game. Now, he’s set to form a dynamic duo with the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, Cooper Flagg. Dallas is gonna lean heavily on Kyrie to mentor Flagg, which is a massive role for a player of his caliber.
The Mavericks have been in a rough spot, finishing last season with a 26-56 record, good for 12th in the Western Conference. That means they’re staring down a two-year playoff drought, a tough pill to swallow for any franchise. The road ahead is brutal, we all know how stacked the Western Conference is. But if Kyrie is truly healthy, and Flagg keeps establishing himself as one of the league’s top young stars, this Mavs squad is absolutely poised for a stronger campaign. It’s a clean slate, and with Kyrie looking like *Kyrie*, Dallas fans have a lot to look forward to.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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