Why Kyrie Irving’s potential return from injury would be bad for the Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks All-Star guard Kyrie Irving has been sidelined to start the season as he rehabs from the torn ACL he suffered in March. The Mavericks don’t have a set date for Irving’s return. January was previously mentioned as a possible timeframe. Irving has been seen during recent Dallas practices helping rookie Cooper Flagg work on his game, and he’s reportedly “ahead of schedule” in his recovery, according to ESPN’s Marc Spears.Irving is rehabbing with the intention of returning some time this season, according to Spears, who said someone close to Irving told him the veteran guard could return right now if it were the playoffs. Spears said that Irving’s return could be in late January or at the All-Star break, which is mid-February. Irving would give the Mavericks a much-needed boost with their 4-11 record after the first month. Irving’s return would be a boon to a Mavericks team that lacks depth in the backcourt. The Mavericks’ priority should be the 2026 NBA DraftThis doesn’t mean taking away any minutes. Let’s not lie, it’s better for the Mavericks to get less minutes from D’Angelo Russell. The Mavericks aren’t struggling to find enough minutes for everyone on this roster, instead they’re starting Brandon Williams — who,  as impressive as he’s been, was just on a two-way contract a season ago. Williams is the most reliable point-guard on the team. When Irving returns, Williams will be his backup.

Irving will be a great addition to the Mavericks. Not only because he can help organize the offense but also because he won’t turn the ball over, and he’ll draw attention away from the defense so that Anthony Davis and Flagg have an easier time. Flagg will be even better if he is paired with a top-tier guard. This will also ease the pressure on the No. The No. 1 pick will be made in the first month.

Tossing down the Mavericks – Find a trade that allows every player to legally move, except Cooper Flagg

Sam Quinn

Irving’s arrival also means that, at the very minimum, the Mavericks will be able to compete for a playoff spot. This is not something the Mavericks should do. Now that Nico Harrison has been given the boot just nine months after trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, there’s no need to play out this foolish plan to compete for a playoff spot — especially when the 2026 draft class is expected to have some of the best prospects in recent memory. The 2026 draft class is one that could make some teams consider a bottom-out strategy in the hope of landing a high pick. Mavericks is one of these teams with a ticket to the tank express. Irving’s returning may lead to the Mavericks losing too many games, preventing them from landing a top 3 pick. The Mavericks do not control any first-round selections between 2027 to 2030. Prioritizing the draft in 2026 should be their goal.

When Irving returns, it will be difficult for the Mavericks not to follow a line that revolves around Cooper Flagg. Dallas’ healthy roster will be able to compete much better than it was at the start of the season, especially if Davis is able to return soon. This would have been great news when Harrison was in charge. But he is no longer, and Dallas does not have to force the fake championship window Harrison created. It’s time to build around Flagg and secure a high draft pick in 2026. There’s been some talk about the Mavericks looking at the trade market after Davis’ return, but the Mavericks should do the same with Irving. It’s possible that if Irving returns to mid-to late January and performs at his previous levels, he will generate enough interest to attract rival front offices to trade him before the February 6 deadline. 

The Mavericks must untangle Harrison’s mess, which includes regaining assets they have lost. Only through trades can they do this. Flagg is the only player that should not be traded between now and the deadline. Irving should be considered for trade if it will help the Mavericks get closer to their top draft pick.

2025-11-18 21:48:41