Nine-time All-Star guard Kyrie Irving tore his ACL in a March 3 game against the Sacramento Kings, cutting short what had been a strong season and forcing him into surgery. For months, his status for the 2025-26 campaign has been uncertain, but this week he delivered his most upbeat message yet, saying his rehabilitation is progressing better than expected.

“It’s going incredibly well,” Irving told TMZ Sports while in New York City for the debut of his Anta HÉLÀ SEASON 2 and HÉLÀ CODE shoe lines. “I appreciate you asking me.”

Irving looked comfortable and upbeat at the private event, a sharp contrast to the uncertainty surrounding him when the injury was first diagnosed. He explained that his approach during recovery has been about dialing back his schedule and tuning out unnecessary noise.

“I’m spending a lot more time resting these days,” Irving said. “And I’m also trying to limit the distractions in my life.”

The update arrives at a pivotal moment for Dallas. Irving was averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists across 50 games before the injury, giving the Mavericks a dynamic scoring option and secondary playmaker. His absence coincided with a turbulent finish to last season, one that saw the franchise undergo sweeping changes, including the trade that brought Anthony Davis from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Now, Davis is expected back from eye surgery, and the franchise’s future centerpiece, No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, will make his professional debut. Together, they represent a new core — but Irving’s availability could determine how quickly Dallas can climb back into contention in the Western Conference.

While ACL recoveries typically take a year, Irving’s comments hinted he might return earlier than projected. The Mavericks have avoided setting a timeline, though team officials have made clear they won’t rush him. Training camp opens next month in Vancouver, giving Dallas its first extended look at how the roster will mesh with or without Irving available.

For Irving, the time away from the court has also been an opportunity to expand his creative ventures. His latest fashion collection, unveiled during New York Fashion Week, introduced five new colorways of his signature sneakers, designed to reflect his belief in merging sport, artistry and identity into everyday culture.

Irving enters his 15th NBA season with career averages of 23.4 points and 5.7 assists, along with an NBA championship won with Cleveland in 2016. Despite a history of injuries, he remains one of the league’s most gifted offensive players — and his words in New York hinted that he plans to add more chapters to his career in Dallas.