Mavericks security guard Kyrie Irving will return to the court on Sunday in China, playing for the first time since tearing his left ACL in the March 3, 2025 game, writes Grant Offset of the Dallas Sports Journal. Irving had hoped to return at some point last season, but he told reporters Thursday that he suffered a grade 2 calf strain in December, which slowed his progress.
Irving has been able to practice without a problem since training camp opened while serving as a leader for his mostly young teammates. New head coach Dusty May said his influence was enormous.
“He’s been incredible in practice in terms of leadership and mentoring young players. He has a wealth of knowledge that we encourage him to share as much as possible with everyone.” May said. “I’m just excited to see him back on the court. There’s been a few times in practice where you watch him play and realize how much gravitas and leverage he provides for other guys. And so I think that’s one area where we can make a big improvement offensively, just having a general like him on the court with a young group. I think it’s going to open up a lot of things.”
Rockets a star Kevin Durantwho played in Friday’s opener but will not participate in Sunday’s contest, said he recently spoke with Irving about his rehab process, according to the Offset in a separate story.
“Just being around Kai, his work ethic is second to none.” Durant said. “His approach to the game mentally is second to none. He’s just a smart guy. When you think about basketball, you think about him. So I’m looking forward to him getting back on the floor. But I know him as a person. He’s a little nervous and excited. I wouldn’t say he’s nervous, he wants to get back out there and just get into the flow of things. So I’m happy for him, man.”
There are more from the Southwest Division:
- Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg Offset adds that he would welcome the opportunity to play for Team USA at the 2027 World Cup another piece. Flagg scored 17 points in the second quarter of Friday’s preseason opener but was not used in the second half. “No, I didn’t really think about that,” Flagg told reporters. “Obviously I’ve played for the U.S. before, under-17s and stuff like that. I always look forward to representing my country and that’s something I’m very proud of.”
- Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr set career highs last season with 15.8 points and 1.9 assists per game on 54.1% effective field goal percentage, but the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 draft still hasn’t developed his skills to an elite level, Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle (subscriber link) says the individual season preview.
- David Jones Garcia feels “revived” after recovering from a broken ankle he suffered in a G League game in January, relay Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News (subscription required). The 24-year-old small forward is in camp with Spurs on a two-way contract and is given a chance to compete for the final roster spot. On Thursday, he played his first competitive game in nine months. “He looks healthy” coach Mitch Johnson said. “If people didn’t know, I don’t think anyone would say he looks like someone who’s been traumatized like that.”
