The Dallas Mavericks have won four games in a row, and adding Kyrie Irving to the roster might give the team a boost up the standings. Jason Kidd broke his silence on Irving's injury.
Anthony Davis is out with a hand injury, and Kyrie Irving is yet to make his season debut, but it hasn't stopped the Dallas Mavericks from ripping off four wins in a row, their longest streak of the season.
With two wins over the Utah Jazz and one apiece against the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors, the Mavericks haven't played a true top team during their stretch, but they have beaten teams that were heavy favorites heading into the contest.
Dallas is still a game and a half behind the LA Clippers for the final play-in spot, and tanking is still their best strategy, although getting Irving back in the lineup could give them a boost. As expected, the Mavericks are reluctant to rush him back.
Dallas Mavericks Give Kyrie Irving Update
With Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Cooper Flagg all playing well, adding Irving into the fold could give the team a boost. With a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers looming, fans shouldn't expect any good news anytime soon.
"I know there is lots of speculation going on," Jason Kidd told The Athletic's Christian Clark. "He is working extremely hard in rehab. I spent some time with him yesterday. He’s in good spirits. He feels great. At some point, there will be a timeline. Right now, there is no timeline. But spending time with him yesterday, he’s working extremely hard.”
Last season, Irving averaged 24.7 points and 4.6 assists per game on the way to his ninth All-Star Game appearance, although he tore his ACL in the second half of the season.
Kidd did suggest that he still plans for Irving to play this season, although he seemed to clearly understand that a 2026 return might not be guaranteed. For now, the Mavericks will have to remain content with giving their younger, inexperienced players a much bigger load to carry.
With the playoffs remaining distant, the Mavericks' best course this season would be to cash in on the trade market, go all-in on the 2026 Draft, and land talent that fits Flagg's timeline, continuing to give him the keys to the organization as their biggest hope moving forward.