Dusty May watched Kyrie Irving work out Thursday and the new Mavericks coach offered his strongest public endorsement yet of Irving's recovery from a torn ACL.
Dusty May appeared on ESPN's NBA Today on Thursday ahead of the Mavericks' first Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors and said something about Kyrie Irving's recovery that should have Mavericks fans encouraged.
"I spoke with Kyrie and actually witnessed a workout this morning, and I felt like I left the gym watching Picasso paint a picture."
That is how a first-year NBA head coach described a 34-year-old point guard who has not played in an NBA game since March 3, 2025, when he tore his left ACL against the Sacramento Kings. Irving underwent surgery on March 26, 2025, and missed the entire 2025-26 season, which marked the first time in his 15-year career that he sat out a full season.
Dallas felt his absence throughout the year. The Mavericks finished 28th in offensive rating at 109.6 points per 100 possessions, ranked in the bottom five in the NBA and finished 29th in 3-point percentage. After Irving's injury, Dallas went 21-38 before the season ended.
The recovery has included several encouraging milestones. In January, Irving participated in shootaround for the first time since the injury. In February, the Mavericks officially ruled him out for the season. His agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, told ESPN that the priority was getting him fully healthy for the 2026-27 season rather than rushing him back.
May's comments on Thursday added another positive update. He did not describe a player easing through rehab. He described an artist.
The praise also fits what May has said since taking the job. At his introductory news conference on June 29, he made clear that Irving played a major role in his decision to come to Dallas.
"He's one of the greatest point guards to ever play our game," May said. "He's a jazz musician, so I can't wait to be around him every day and help him on his journey."
May also said he plans to lean on Irving's championship experience as he adjusts to life as an NBA head coach. That relationship could become one of the most important parts of Dallas' season.
Questions about a 34-year-old returning from ACL surgery are fair, but Irving's game has never depended solely on athleticism. His footwork, shot-making and feel have made him one of the NBA's most skilled guards for more than a decade. Before the injury, he averaged 24.7 points and 4.6 assists in 50 games while shooting 49.7% from the field. Dallas has gone 75-53 with Irving in the lineup since he joined the franchise during the 2022-23 season.
Irving and Cooper Flagg have yet to share an NBA court, but May's vision is becoming easier to see. A generational young star alongside one of the league's most gifted offensive guards gives Dallas a foundation few teams can match. Training camp opens in late September, and that partnership should begin taking shape then.
