Kyrie Irving has recently undergone surgery to repair a broken left hand, an injury reported to have occurred during a training session earlier this month. As uncertainty looms over his exact return date, the Dallas Mavericks are optimistic about Irving's participation in their forthcoming training camp.
The Mavericks, fresh off an impressive journey to last season's NBA Finals, are looking to build on their recent success. Their memorable run came to an end at the hands of the Boston Celtics, who claimed victory in five games. Although the Mavericks fell short, the experience has fueled their ambitions for the upcoming season.
Irving, who joined the Mavericks last season, made a significant impact despite battling injuries. He played in a total of 58 games, where he demonstrated his offensive prowess by averaging 25.6 points, five rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. His shooting efficiency was remarkable, with splits of 49.7% from the field, 41.1% from beyond the arc, and an exceptional 90.5% at the free-throw line.
However, Irving's season was also marred by a significant absence due to a heel contusion, which caused him to miss 12 games in December. This unfortunate setback meant that he didn't meet the new 65-game threshold required for major awards consideration, thus missing out on a potential ninth All-Star appearance and any possibility of making the All-NBA team.
Despite the injury challenges, Irving's value to the Mavericks was recognized through a substantial contract extension. Last year, he agreed to a three-year, $140 million deal with the team, including a player option for the 2025-26 campaign. This commitment indicates both the Mavericks' belief in his abilities and Irving's confidence in the team's future prospects.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Irving's recovery and readiness to rejoin his teammates. The Mavericks, having tasted the thrill of the NBA Finals, are eager to replicate and surpass their previous achievements. With Irving's return, they hope to fortify their chances and continue their quest for the championship title. The journey ahead promises to be a compelling narrative, as both Irving and the Mavericks aim to navigate through adversities to achieve their coveted goals.