Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving underwent surgery recently to repair a broken left hand suffered during a training session earlier this month. While there is no definitive timetable for his return, the Mavericks remain optimistic about Irving's participation in their upcoming training camp.
Last season, the Mavericks made an impressive run to the NBA Finals but eventually fell to the Boston Celtics in five games. Irving played a crucial role in the team’s success, participating in 58 games during his first full season with Dallas. He averaged 25.6 points, five rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, showcasing his consistent performance and high-impact play on the court.
Irving's shooting splits were equally impressive, with a field goal percentage of 49.7%, three-point shooting accuracy of 41.1%, and a stellar 90.5% from the free-throw line. Despite these remarkable statistics, he faced challenges, including a heel contusion that sidelined him for 12 games in December.
One significant repercussion of missing those 12 games was that Irving did not meet the new 65-game threshold required for major awards consideration. Consequently, he missed out on both a potential ninth All-Star appearance and any possibility of making the All-NBA team that season.
Last year, Irving agreed to a three-year, $140 million contract extension with the Mavericks, demonstrating a mutual commitment between the star player and the franchise. The contract, which includes a player option for the 2025-26 campaign, secures Irving's future in Dallas and underscores the team's confidence in his abilities and leadership on the court.
While the exact timeline for Irving's return remains uncertain, the Mavericks' optimistic outlook suggests that they are preparing for a season with their key player back in action. The team's performance last season, culminating in the NBA Finals, has set high expectations, and Irving’s recovery will be a significant factor in their pursuit of success in the upcoming season.
The Dallas fanbase and the NBA community at large will be closely monitoring Irving's recovery process, eager to see if he can return to his peak form and lead the Mavericks to another deep playoff run. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Irving and his potential impact on the court once he completes his rehabilitation and gets back to full strength.