If you’ve watched basketball for any length of time, you know the feeling of a Kyrie Irving highlight. It’s that sharp, audible intake of breath when he puts a defender on skates. Those handles aren't just skills; they're basically a form of physics-defying art. But right now, in early 2026, the conversation around NBA basketball Kyrie Irving isn't about his crossovers. It’s about a ticking clock and a left knee that changed everything.
Kyrie is currently 33. He’s navigating the aftermath of a torn ACL suffered back in March 2025. For a guy who relies on "supreme agility" and those sudden, violent stop-and-start motions, this is the ultimate test. Honestly, the NBA is a "what have you done for me lately" league, and Kyrie has been forced to watch from the sidelines while the Dallas Mavericks' season has turned into a bit of a rollercoaster.
The 2026 Return: What the Mavericks Are Actually Planning
There’s been a lot of chatter about whether we’ll even see Kyrie this season. Dallas is sitting at a rough 15-25 record as of mid-January. With Anthony Davis sidelined by a hand injury and the team hovering near the bottom of the Western Conference, the logic for a Kyrie return seems... thin.
Why rush back for a lost season?
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The medical reality is that a 12-month window for ACL recovery is the gold standard for full confidence. That puts his return date right around late February 2026—just after the All-Star break. Sources like Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal have noted that Kyrie looked "sharp and explosive" in recent workouts with assistant coach Phil Handy. No hesitation. No limp.
But the Mavericks are stuck in a corner. If they bring him back now, they risk a re-injury in games that might not even lead to a play-in spot. If they shut him down, they risk frustrating a superstar who hasn't played competitive ball in almost a year.
The Cooper Flagg Factor
You can't talk about NBA basketball Kyrie Irving in 2026 without mentioning Cooper Flagg. The rookie has been a lone bright spot for Dallas.
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- Kyrie has reportedly taken on a massive mentorship role for Flagg during his rehab.
- The vision of a Kyrie-Flagg-Davis trio is what keeps Mavs fans awake at night (in a good way).
- Returning for the final 20 games of this season would give Kyrie a chance to build chemistry with the kid before the 2026-27 campaign begins in earnest.
It’s a gamble. A big one.
Kyrie’s Legacy and the "Small Guard" Curse
History isn't kind to small guards in their mid-30s coming off major ligament surgery. Think about it. Kyrie is 6'2". His entire game is built on his ability to shift his weight and explode into gaps. Without that twitch, he’s a different player.
However, some experts argue Kyrie is more like Steph Curry than your average explosive guard. He has the shooting. His mid-range game is statistically elite—he’s carrying a 98 rating in that category on 2K26 for a reason. He doesn't need to dunk over 7-footers to be effective. He needs his jumper and his IQ.
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People forget he was playing at an All-Star level right before the injury, averaging roughly 24.7 points and nearly 5 assists. He wasn't slowing down; he was just getting started with this Dallas core.
The Contract Dilemma
Kyrie has a player option for the 2025-26 season worth about $43.9 million. Most people expected him to opt out before the injury happened to chase one last long-term max deal. Now? Things are murky.
- Opting In: This gives him the security of a massive paycheck while he proves he’s still "that guy."
- Opting Out: A massive risk. Would another team give a 34-year-old guard with a history of knee issues a 3-year, $120 million contract? Probably not.
- The Extension: Dallas could try to find a middle ground to keep him "untouchable" and happy.
What to Watch For Next
The next six weeks are everything. If Kyrie is on the court by late February, it’s a signal that the Mavs still believe they can make noise this year—or at least that Kyrie needs to feel the hardwood under his feet to stay mentally locked in.
If he stays in street clothes until October, we’re looking at a full-scale rebuild around Cooper Flagg, and Kyrie’s future in Dallas becomes one of the biggest question marks in the league.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the Warmups: If you’re at a Mavs game, watch Kyrie’s lateral movement during pre-game shooting. That’s where the ACL test really shows.
- Check the Lottery Odds: If Dallas continues to slide, the pressure to "shut him down" will become deafening to protect their 2026 draft position.
- Monitor the Chemistry: Watch how Kyrie interacts with Jason Kidd on the bench. In 2026, the mental side of the game is just as important as the physical recovery.
Kyrie Irving has always been the NBA’s ultimate wild card. Whether he's hitting a championship-winning shot or navigating a complex recovery, he does it on his own terms. 2026 isn't just another year; it's the year we find out if the most talented ball-handler in history has one more act left in him.