May emphasized the team’s excitement for Irving’s return next season. Irving, age 34, missed the entire 2025-26 season following an ACL tear suffered in April 2025. While there was hope for a late-season comeback, he ultimately focused on a full recovery to be ready for the 2026-27 campaign.
How Irving Could Elevate the Mavericks
The Mavericks clearly felt the absence of Irving last season. Without him, the starting point guard duties were handled by a rotating mix of players, including rookie Ryan Nembhard and guard Brandon Williams. While they gave their best, they couldn’t match Irving’s playmaking and scoring ability.
During Irving’s absence, Dallas ranked 22nd in assists per game (25.3) and had the league’s lowest rate of ball movement, recording the fewest passes per game (261.5). The addition of Irving is expected to bring elite-level playmaking back to the lineup, which could significantly improve overall offense and spacing.
Irving’s presence could also benefit young talents like Cooper Flagg. Flagg had a notable rookie season, but having Irving on the floor could reduce pressure on Flagg and provide better floor spacing. With Irving orchestrating the offense, there should be more opportunities for teammates to score as attention shifts away from the ball and toward driving lanes and scoring opportunities.
Positioning and spacing are crucial for any team featuring Irving. A healthy Irving can help other scorers thrive by drawing defensive attention and creating open looks. For players like Klay Thompson, who occasionally struggled with space for clean looks, Irving’s ability to draw attention and set up off-ball movement could be a game-changer. Similarly, frontcourt players like PJ Washington could benefit from more off-the-ball opportunities and improved driving lanes.
Will Irving Return to Peak Form?
Despite the excitement, questions remain about the level Irving will reach after recovering from an ACL injury. The injury can affect a player’s mobility and shiftiness—the very traits that have defined Irving’s game as a ball-handler. If the recovery impacts those quick-twitch movements, the 2026-27 version of Irving might differ from the All-Star caliber player seen in recent seasons.
Before the injury, Irving posted strong numbers, averaging around 24.7 points per game on a 47% shooting clip and earning his ninth All-Star selection in the 2024-25 season. Whether he can return to that form will depend on his rehabilitation and how his game adapts post-injury. Early indications from May suggest optimism about a strong return, but the final outcome will reveal itself over the season.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will be counting on Irving to provide elite scoring, improved playmaking, and a stabilizing presence on offense. If he can regain his full athleticism and chemistry with teammates, Dallas could reclaim a top-tier offensive identity and once again become a difficult matchup in the league.
