Dirk Nowitzki expects Kyrie Irving to lead Dallas Mavericks after ACL injury
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 5:33 AM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026
Dirk Nowitzki expressed support for the Dallas Mavericks as the team prepares for the 2026-27 NBA season. The franchise enters its second year of a roster rebuild following the trade of Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. Kyrie Irving is expected to return to the court in October after missing the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from an ACL tear sustained in March 2025. Nowitzki noted that Irving's return addresses a significant point guard void that hindered the team last season. The Mavericks recently overhauled the front office and coaching staff, hiring Masai Ujiri as team president, Mike Schmitz as general manager, and Dusty May as head coach. The team currently features a developing core that includes Cooper Flagg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Sergio de Larrea.
- •Kyrie Irving is expected to be healthy for the October start of the 2026-27 season.
- •Irving has not played in an NBA game since March 2025 due to an ACL injury.
- •Dirk Nowitzki supports the new direction of the Mavericks under Masai Ujiri and Dusty May.
- •The Mavericks are currently developing a young roster headlined by Cooper Flagg.
- 5:33 AMYahoo Sports — Dallas Mavericks Coach Makes Strong Kyrie Irving Statement Ahead of Training Camp
- 11:25 AMYahoo Sports — Dallas Mavericks Legend Can’t Wait to See the Kyrie Irving-Cooper Flagg Tandem This Upcoming Season
- 5:16 AMYahoo Sports — Mavericks news: Dirk Nowitzki can't wait to see Kyrie Irving back in action
"The Dallas Mavericks are entering the second year of a rebuild following their much-maligned decision to trade away Luka Doncic for a package centered around Anthony Davis. Cooper Flagg is looking like one of the best players in the world in the making, and they are developing a nice young core including recent draftees Morez Johnson Jr. and Sergio […] The post Mavericks news: Dirk Nowitzki can't wait to see Kyrie Irving back in action appeared first on ClutchPoints.
"The Dallas Mavericks are expected to have Kyrie Irving back this upcoming season after being out of action for 18 months.Irving suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in March 2025 against the Sacramento Kings, as per ESPN. He was carrying the offensive load for the Mavericks after the franchise traded Luka Doncic.The Mavs […] The post Dallas Mavericks Coach Makes Strong Kyrie Irving Statement Ahead of Training Camp appeared first on HEAVY.
"The Dallas Mavericks are expected to have Kyrie Irving back after he missed the entire 2025-26 campaign because of a torn ACL, and Dirk Nowitzki is among those excited to see the 34-year-old guard again soon. In a recent interview with WFAA’s Joe Trahan, Nowitzki strongly believes Irving’s return will address the Dallas Mavericks’ Achilles [...]
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 5:33 AMDallas Mavericks Coach Makes Strong Kyrie Irving Statement Ahead of Training Camp
The Dallas Mavericks are expected to have Kyrie Irving back this upcoming season after being out of action for 18 months.Irving suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in March 2025 against the Sacramento Kings, as per ESPN. He was carrying the offensive load for the Mavericks after the franchise traded Luka Doncic.The Mavs […] The post Dallas Mavericks Coach Makes Strong Kyrie Irving Statement Ahead of Training Camp appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 11:25 AMDallas Mavericks Legend Can’t Wait to See the Kyrie Irving-Cooper Flagg Tandem This Upcoming Season
The Dallas Mavericks are expected to have Kyrie Irving back after he missed the entire 2025-26 campaign because of a torn ACL, and Dirk Nowitzki is among those excited to see the 34-year-old guard again soon. In a recent interview with WFAA’s Joe Trahan, Nowitzki strongly believes Irving’s return will address the Dallas Mavericks’ Achilles [...]
- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 5:16 AMMavericks news: Dirk Nowitzki can't wait to see Kyrie Irving back in action
The Dallas Mavericks are entering the second year of a rebuild following their much-maligned decision to trade away Luka Doncic for a package centered around Anthony Davis. Cooper Flagg is looking like one of the best players in the world in the making, and they are developing a nice young core including recent draftees Morez Johnson Jr. and Sergio […] The post Mavericks news: Dirk Nowitzki can't wait to see Kyrie Irving back in action appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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