Jason Kidd Cannot Contain His Excitement For Kyrie Irving’s Return To The Mavericks Next Season
Kyrie Irving (L), Jason Kidd (R); Credit - USA TODAY Sports Kyrie Irving, after tearing his ACL last year, has spent the whole of 2025-26 season working his way back to fitness and although the Dallas Mavericks were optimistic about an early return at one point, that thought has since been shelved. He’s focusing on getting back to 100% fitness for the 2026-27 season, something that helps head coach Jason Kidd sleep better at night. The Mavericks have had a difficult season, with just Cooper Flagg left to carry the team.
They’re 23-48 and 13th in the West, meaning they aren’t going to make the play-ins. Their aim? Get Flagg minutes to settle into the big league, tank games, and have better odds at a high pick in a loaded draft class.
With a second-year Flagg, a potentially great rookie or two, and Irving back, the Mavericks can cook next season, and Kidd is pumped to even think about that. “Understanding the offensive end of the ball, he would help in all categories. His shooting, his scoring.
And then the biggest is if we can put ourselves in 40 clutch games, you have a closer. A born closer, who I’m not going to say is going to win all 40 games for you. But it puts you in a better seat,” Kidd told the Mavericks media.
The Mavericks have been missing a veteran presence like Irving this season. After the team traded away Anthony Davis at the deadline, they suddenly had no highly experienced player who knew how to close games. Flagg has averaged 20 ppg, which is great for a 19-year-old rookie, but without Irving, the Mavericks have been missing a steady offensive force with playoff experience.