Kyrie Irving to Miss Entire Mavericks Season After ACL Tear

Star guard will return for 2026-27 season after over a year of recovery

Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:47pm

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Dallas Mavericks superstar guard Kyrie Irving will officially miss the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his ACL last March, per ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania. Irving has yet to play this season and is giving himself more time to fully heal for the 2026-27 season.

Why it matters

Irving's extended absence is a major blow to the Mavericks' playoff hopes, as he is one of the team's top scorers and playmakers. The team will have to find a way to stay competitive without their star player for the entire season.

The details

Irving suffered the torn ACL injury last March and has been out of action since then. He will now miss the entire 2025-26 season to focus on his recovery, aiming to return for the 2026-27 campaign. This means Irving will have missed over a year of basketball by the time he's able to suit up again.

  • Irving suffered the torn ACL injury in March 2025.
  • Irving will miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season.
  • Irving is expected to return for the 2026-27 NBA season.

The players

Kyrie Irving

A superstar guard for the Dallas Mavericks who will miss the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL injury suffered in March 2025.

Shams Charania

An ESPN NBA insider who reported on Irving's extended absence from the Mavericks.

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What they’re saying

“Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving will miss the season to allow himself additional time to fully heal from the torn ACL he suffered last March. Irving will make his return for the 2026–27 season.”

— Shams Charania, ESPN NBA Insider

What’s next

Irving will continue his rehabilitation and recovery process with the goal of returning to the court for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.

The takeaway

Kyrie Irving's extended absence is a significant setback for the Mavericks, who will have to find a way to stay competitive without their star player for the entire 2025-26 season. The team and fans will eagerly await Irving's return in the 2026-27 campaign.