MACAU — Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving told a large media contingent Thursday that he experienced a setback in his recovery from a torn left ACL last season.
Irving said he suffered a Grade 2 calf strain in December that limited him during the rehabilitation process for eight weeks.
A Grade 2 calf strain, “involves a partial tear of the muscle fibers,” according to London Sports Orthopedics.
“It pushed my timeline back even more,” Irving said. “I had to take my time to heal.”
The Mavericks didn’t disclose Irving’s ailment during his time off the court. He missed the entire 2025-26 season, which contributed to the Mavericks going 26-56.
Irving suffered a torn left ACL in March 2025 after landing awkwardly on an opposing player’s foot. Former Mavericks coach Jason Kidd even thought Irving would return at some point in the second half of last season.
“Irving has made steady progress in rehabilitation and will remain actively engaged with the team through the remainder of the season,” said the Mavericks’ press release that was sent out in February.
May told a large media contingent Thursday that Irving will play in only one of the two Mavericks preseason games in China. He did not disclose if that will be the team’s Friday or Sunday game.
“We will have a limited roster,” May said. “Even with Kyrie, he is going to play one game here. We still haven’t decided which one. Based on how his body feels, especially with the jet lag and things like that. It’s still inconclusive at this time. We are working on different lineup combinations. But as of now, we are still not sure.”
Irving expressed his excitement to play in the preseason at the Mavericks media day in late September. He also talked about his comfortability with his body after the injury.
“No restrictions,” Irving said. “ Everyone’s going to give me the support that I need. My injury was probably the best thing that happened to me”
“I’m ready to go out there and kick some butt,” he said. “I know that naysayers or some of the questions around where I’m going to be are going to be inevitable. But for me, I have the confidence of a champion.”
Mavericks team president Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz were also at the NBA China media day activities.
