The Dallas Mavericks have been a team that’s seen much public criticism and bad luck as they’ve had an extremely injured season this year. After trading Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis in February, the Mavericks have unfortunately lost a number of players to injury, including their star point guard Kyrie Irving.
Irving is out for the season with a torn ACL, ending a potential All-NBA campaign for Irving, who was named an All-Star earlier this year. Irving was averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 47.3% from the field and 40.1% from the three-point line.
With Irving out for the season, Davis still rounding into playing shape, and the Mavericks uncertain about the rest of the season, it would be understandable if the team had several guys in rough mental spaces.
Anthony Davis Discusses Kyrie Irving’s Mental State After ACL Injury
Anthony Davis made his return to the lineup for the Mavericks but had a fairly regular night, finishing with 12 points and 6 rebounds in 27 minutes of action. Irving being on the bench for support helped the Mavericks win the game 120-101.
The Mavericks are slowly getting their rhythm again, which could give them a chance to make the play-in. Still, if Irving was healthy, the sky might have been the limit for this team. Davis discussed Irving’s mental and where his head is at after this process.
Anthony Davis described Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury as “devastating.” Davis feels Irving is “in a good head space” and thought having Irving on the bench was good.
Davis emphasized the need for the Dallas Mavericks to “hold the fort down” now until Irving can play next season. pic.twitter.com/EtvYzociy1
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) March 25, 2025
“Obviously, the initial injury in the initial moment you want to give him space. He came back to the locker room, got everything out of his system and was excited about the rehab process… He’s in a good head space.”
SEE MORE: Jason Kidd Makes Blunt Admission About Anthony Davis Being Forced To Return From Injury
Will Kyrie Irving And Anthony Davis Remain Together?
Irving has a player option this offseason in his contract, but many believe he could very well opt-out and become a free agent. If Irving wants to take a shot at running things back with this Mavericks team as assembled, opting-in might be a possibility.
With the unpredictable nature of the Mavericks and GM Nico Harrison, no one can really be sure of how this all plays out. The Mavericks have a lot of their players under contracts for next season, but nothing is safe in today’s NBA.
Irving and his availability will be a major concern moving forward, as he has ACL recovery looming with his contract decision. Will Davis convince Irving to restructure his contract and not become a free agent? Or will Irving explore the market? Time will tell.
