Shawn Marion delivers sobering Kyrie Irving reality check amid Mavericks comeback hopes appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As Kyrie Irving prepares to return to the Dallas Mavericks for the 2026-27 NBA season after missing the entire previous campaign with a torn ACL, former teammate Shawn Marion delivered a sobering assessment of the star guard’s chances of returning to his previous form.
Speaking with Kyle Odegard of Action Network, Marion acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Irving’s comeback, particularly as the 34-year-old prepares to compete in a league featuring younger talent.
“I would like to see him back to that top level. You just don’t know, man. The league is so young and everyone is so talented. I want to see what happens, and how he helps the team.”
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Irving has not appeared in a regular-season game since suffering a torn ACL against the Sacramento Kings in March 2025. His extended absence raises questions about whether he can immediately regain the scoring ability and explosiveness that made him one of the NBA’s premier offensive guards.
Nevertheless, Marion offered an encouraging assessment of Irving’s physical condition and preparation throughout his recovery.
“He’s been working out like crazy with his teammates and doing his little circuit. He looks good, looks healthy. He could have come back last year but they waited the full year.”
Kyrie Irving looks to regain All-Star form with Mavericks after ACL tear
Before his injury, Irving remained one of Dallas’ most productive players.
During the 2024-25 season, the nine-time All-Star averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 47.3% from the field and 40.1% from 3-point range across 50 appearances. He also averaged 36.1 minutes per game.
The previous season, Irving averaged 25.6 points, 5.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 49.7% from the field and 41.1% from beyond the arc in 58 games. His production helped Dallas reach the 2024 NBA Finals.
Now, Irving faces the challenge of returning to that level while adjusting to a significantly different Mavericks roster.
Dallas enters the 2026-27 season hoping to rebound from a disappointing 26-56 campaign that left the franchise 12th in the Western Conference standings.
The Mavericks also struggled throughout their preseason schedule, finishing 1-3 following Friday night’s 135-111 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
Irving’s return could provide a significant offensive boost alongside reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg as Dallas attempts to establish consistency under new head coach Dusty May.
However, Marion’s comments underscore the uncertainty surrounding Irving’s ability to regain his previous production following such a lengthy absence.
The Mavericks will begin their regular season Wednesday, Oct. 21, against the Houston Rockets at 8:30 p.m. ET, giving Irving his first opportunity to demonstrate how much of his All-Star form remains.
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