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Mavericks' Kyrie Irving Out for Remainder of 2026 Season
ACL injury sidelines star player as league grapples with rising prevalence of serious injuries
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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The Dallas Mavericks have announced that star player Kyrie Irving will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season as he continues to recover from an ACL injury sustained in March 2025. This news highlights the growing concern around ACL injuries in the league, which are becoming increasingly common due to factors like the sport's increasing speed and physicality. Irving's rehabilitation process showcases the evolving approaches to ACL recovery, including a greater emphasis on early range of motion, proprioceptive training, neuromuscular re-education, and a gradual return to sport.
Why it matters
Kyrie Irving's absence is a significant blow to the Mavericks, who are currently struggling with a 19-35 record and a nine-game losing streak. The impact of star player injuries on team performance underscores the challenges the NBA faces in managing player health and safety. The league is investing heavily in research and technology to prevent injuries and improve recovery, as ACL tears remain a major threat to player longevity and championship aspirations.
The details
Irving sustained the ACL injury in March 2025 during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The injury required surgical intervention and a lengthy rehabilitation process. The Mavericks' medical staff is overseeing Irving's recovery, which is focusing on early range of motion, proprioceptive training to restore balance and body awareness, neuromuscular re-education to retrain the muscles, and a gradual, phased return to sport to minimize the risk of re-injury.
- Kyrie Irving sustained the ACL injury in March 2025.
- The Dallas Mavericks announced Irving will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season in February 2026.
The players
Kyrie Irving
A star player for the Dallas Mavericks who is currently sidelined due to an ACL injury sustained in March 2025.
Dallas Mavericks
The NBA team that Kyrie Irving plays for, currently holding a 19-35 record and enduring a nine-game losing streak in the 2025-26 season.
What they’re saying
“We must continue to prioritize player health and safety as the league grapples with the increasing prevalence of serious injuries like ACL tears.”
— NBA Commissioner (NBA Press Release)
What’s next
The Mavericks will continue to closely monitor Kyrie Irving's rehabilitation progress and work towards his eventual return to the court, though no specific timeline has been provided.
The takeaway
Kyrie Irving's injury highlights the ongoing challenge the NBA faces in managing player health and safety, as ACL tears become increasingly common in the league. The league's investment in research, technology, and evolving rehabilitation protocols aims to improve outcomes and prevent future injuries, but the impact of star player absences on team performance underscores the need for continued innovation and a holistic approach to player well-being.
