Kyrie Irving has recently undergone surgery to repair a broken left hand, an injury he suffered during training earlier this month. While there is no definitive timetable for his return, the Dallas Mavericks remain hopeful that the star guard will be a full participant in their upcoming training camp.
The Mavericks, who had an impressive run to the NBA Finals last season before losing to the Boston Celtics in five games, are eager to have Irving back in action. Irving played a pivotal role in the team's success during his first full season with the Dallas squad, appearing in 58 games and averaging noteworthy statistics: 25.6 points, five rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.
Last season, Irving showcased his scoring prowess with shooting splits that underscore his efficiency and versatility: 49.7% from the field, 41.1% from beyond the arc, and an outstanding 90.5% from the free-throw line. Despite these impressive numbers, Irving missed 12 games in December due to a heel contusion. This absence ultimately led to him falling short of the new 65-game threshold required for major awards consideration.
As a result, Irving missed out on what could have been his ninth All-Star appearance and any possibility of making the All-NBA team. This was undoubtedly a disappointment for a player of his calibre, who has often been in the conversation for league honours throughout his career.
Nevertheless, Irving's future with the Mavericks remains promising. He recently agreed to a three-year, $140 million extension with the team, a contract that includes a player option for the 2025-26 campaign. This extension is a clear indicator of both the team's and the player's commitment to a shared vision of success moving forward.
As the Mavericks prepare for the new season, the focus will be on ensuring Irving's smooth recovery and reintegration into the lineup. His performance and health will be critical to the team's aspirations of building on last season's achievements and making another deep playoff run.
With training camp on the horizon, the Dallas Mavericks and their fans will be keeping a close eye on Irving's progress. His skill set, experience, and leadership are invaluable assets to the team, and there is optimism that he will be ready to contribute at his usual high level when the season tips off.
Until then, the Mavericks will rely on their depth and the continued development of their roster, aiming to stay competitive in the highly-contested Western Conference. All eyes will be on Irving as he works his way back to full strength, with the hope that he can once again be a game-changer for the Mavericks in their pursuit of an NBA championship.