Dallas Mavericks superstar Kyrie Irving provides new update on his recovery after ACL surgery

In early March, the Dallas Mavericks suffered a blow that all but crushed their hopes of contending seriously in the Western Conference: Kyrie Irving’s ACL tear during a game against the Sacramento Kings. Now, the 33-year-old guard has opened up about how he’s doing.

On Friday, a user on X tagged Irving in a post asking about his recovery following the knee surgery he successfully underwent on March 26: “Hi Kyrie Irving, how’s the recovery going?” the Mavs fan wrote, along with a fingers-crossed emoji.

Unexpectedly, Kyrie responded and revealed how he’s feeling just over a month after surgery. “My recovery/rehab is going really well, I appreciate you asking,” began the 2016 NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“I am keeping GOD 1st always through all my endeavors. I pray you and your family are doing well! Don’t ever take waking up another Day on Earth for granted, because no one is promised that,” Irving added, closing his message with his Lakota name “Hélà” and a few emojis, including crossed fingers and the infinity symbol.

Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks lies on the court after suffering an injury against the Sacramento Kings on March 03, 2025.

When will Kyrie Irving return to action?

Given that Irving was injured in early March and had surgery later that same month, he remains in the early stages of a long recovery process. ACL injuries are among the most complex setbacks professional athletes can face and typically require significant time to heal.

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Players recovering from ACL surgery generally need between 6 to 9 months before they can return to NBA action. The most realistic projection suggests Kyrie could rejoin the team sometime after the 2025–26 season begins, with January emerging as a probable return date.

The Mavericks need Irving

After Dallas’ early exit in the play-in tournament, it became clear the team wasn’t in strong form heading into the season’s final stretch. Luka Doncic’s departure was a major blow, and it was compounded by a brutal string of injuries that left the Mavs short-handed and unable to sustain high-level play.

The arrival of Anthony Davis didn’t deliver the expected impact, largely due to the injuries he dealt with. And by the time the power forward was fit to play, Kyrie Irving was already sidelined with the knee injury. Without question, the top priority for next season will be ensuring both players return to full strength and building the team’s strategy around them. With Irving and Davis healthy, the Mavericks could become serious contenders in the West.