Mavericks security guard Kyrie Irving entered training camp unrestricted due to a torn ACL in his left knee that caused him to miss all of last season, according to Associated Press story. Irving began Friday’s media interview by calling the injury “probably the best thing that happened to me” because it gave him time to reflect on his career and life.
“About what I want to be as a player and most importantly what I want to be as a man” he said. “How can people think I’m a better leader, a better conversationalist, to be more emotional, vulnerable. And finally, to take the approach to act like my age. I’m 34 years old, I’m going on 16. I’ve been through a lot, I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs as a person. But I think that I’m a competitor, you never have to worry about me not achieving (showing) my best results there.”
Irving returns to a team that has changed significantly since he was injured in March 2025. Cooper Flaggwho was drafted a few months later became a cornerstone of the franchise, Dusty May replaced Jason Kidd as head coach, and Masai Ujiri assumed the position of team president. The roster underwent major changes this summer, and Irving is hoping to get Dallas back to the playoffs after a 26-56 season.
“I’m ready to go out there and kick some ass” he said. “I know there’s going to be some naysayers or some questions around where I’m going to be. But for me, I have the confidence of a champion. … It’s 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 lacing up my boots and being on the court with my teammates and showing everyone what I’ve got again. It’s just like riding a bike.”
There’s more from Dallas:
- Irving was the subject of trade speculation before the injury, but he told reporters he wants to stay with the Mavericks and help rebuild the franchise (Link to video on Twitter from Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News). “There’s a lot of guys that just want to come in here and do the right thing, and I think I’m okay with that.” Irving said. “I’m in love with this place just because it’s been welcoming, not just from a franchise standpoint, but because of the fans. … I’m just confident that whatever we put in place this year, we’re going to do our best and build something.”
- Flagg was 6-foot-10 at Thursday’s screening, an inch taller than he was during his rookie season, according to Curtis in round up media day stories (subscription required). Flagg, who also seems to have gotten stronger over the summer, is looking forward to finally getting on the court with Irving. “He just makes it easy to play with.” – said Flagg. “He’s one of the greats in our game and he’s an unbelievable talent. But I think that, combined with his personality, makes it easy to get around and play with him.”
- Derek Lively II subject to health renewal after a the report this week that he has not been medically cleared to begin training camp, Curtis said in the same segment. Alive, who moved season-ending foot surgery said last December that he can run and jump and is happy with the progress he has made. “I’m really grateful to the team for just giving me the opportunity to take my time and make sure I’m doing things right and make sure I’m taking care of my body,” he said. “I’ve been running on the treadmill. I’ve been practicing jumping. I’ve been slowly getting back on the court.”
- May plans an accelerated style with an emphasis on rebounding during his first season as an NBA coach, Curtis adds. “We’ve got size, we’ve got length, we’ve got youth and good energy,” May said. “It naturally lends itself to playing in transition, and these guys have played well in transition up until this point in practice. Dominating the glass, too.”
