Former Duke star Kyrie Irving is making sound progress in his recovery from an ACL injury.
Former Duke star Kyrie Irving hasn't played for the Dallas Mavericks yet this season, as he's recovering from his left ACL tear.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd offered his most detailed update yet on Irving's recovery from a torn ACL, reinforcing that while progress continues, no return timeline has been established and the team's position in the standings will not factor into the decision.
“Well, there isn’t anything new,” Kidd said. “I know there’s a lot of speculation going on, but he’s working extremely hard in rehab. I spent some time with him yesterday — he’s in good spirits and he feels great.
“At some point, there will be a timeline, but right now, there is no timeline. Spending time with him yesterday, he’s working extremely hard.”
Irving appeared in only 11 games for Duke during the 2010-11 season. He averaged 17.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 52.9% from the field, 46.2% from beyond the arc and 90.1% from the free-throw line.
Irving's best game for Duke was against Michigan State on December 1, 2010. The talented guard had 31 points, six rebounds and four assists, helping Duke win by a final score of 84-79.
Duke went 32-5 in 2010-11. They lost to Arizona in the West Regional Semifinal.
Irving averaged 17.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in the NCAA Tournament, showing his scoring skills at the highest level of college basketball.
How good was Irving at Duke? He only needed 11 games to show NBA scouts how special he was, as the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Irving with the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Irving has played for the Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets and Mavericks in the NBA. He won the 2016 NBA championship with LeBron James on the Cavaliers and is one of the best players in NBA history who went to Duke.
The Mavericks actually have three players who went to Duke: Irving, Cooper Flagg and Dereck Lively II. Mike Krzyzewski likely watches a lot of Dallas games in his free time.
Irving appeared in 50 games for the Mavericks last season. He averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists per game while shooting 47.3% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc and 91.6% from the free-throw line.
Dallas signed Irving to a three-year, $118 million contract in July. Irving is making $36.6 million this season. He can become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 by declining his 2027-28 player option worth $42.4 million.
Duke fans likely can't wait to see Irving play for the Mavericks again. After all, he's one of the greatest basketball players ever.
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