Kyrie Irving looks ready to go for Mavericks in 2026-27

Kyrie Irving appears ready for his much anticipated return in the 2026-27 NBA season. The Dallas Mavericks star guard impressed during a recent open run and showed no signs of being hampered by his ACL injury. He showed off his handles and finished layups with his signature flare. Irving also showcased his speed and ball control by eluding defenders off the dribble and in the air with tough finishes. MORE: Stephen A. Smith vows to ‘do better’ after past criticism of Kyrie Irving The nine-time All-Star played against some NBA players and other professionals like Kyle Anderson, Eli Carter and Tyson Etienne, among others. Dallas traded for Irving on Feb. 6, 2023, and he has suited up for team in 108 regular-season games. He suffered a torn ACL on March 3, 2025, missing the entire 2025-26 season. However, he is back to 100% and will form a dynamic duo with reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. Kyrie Irving’s NBA career Nov 14, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving looks on during the second half against the LA Clippers in an NBA Cup game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The 34-year-old is entering his 16th season. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected him at No. 1 overall in 2011 out of Duke. Irving has since won an NBA championship in 2016 and has been part of three All-NBA teams. He is also a one-time All-Star Game MVP, 3-point contest champion and Rookie of the Year winner. Irving is averaging 23.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.3 steals in his career. Dallas will rely heavily on him to mentor Flagg and help end the franchise’s two-year playoff drought. The team finished with a 26-56 record last year and 12th in the Western Conference. The road ahead is tough for the Mavericks in the stacked Western Conference. However, with a healthy Irving and Flagg continuing to establish himself as one of the league’s best young stars, they are poised for a stronger campaign. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —