In a welcome boost for the Dallas Mavericks, NBA insider Shams Charania provided a new timeline for injured Kyrie Irving. According to reports, there’s “optimism” that All-Star guard Irving will return from his torn ACL in January and is expected to recover fully.

Typically, an ACL surgery requires eight-12 months of recovery, but the Mavericks are hoping that Irving will be back on the shorter end of his recovery. ESPN's Shams Charania reports Dallas has hopes that Irving will be able to return by January of 2026, which would allow him to potentially play in the majority of the 2025-26 season.

There's optimism Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving could be fully recovered and return from his torn left ACL by January 2026, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Wednesday.