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Dallas Mavs’ Kyrie Irving enjoyed last year’s player-coach role, but is excited to ‘kick some butt’ this season

Dallas guard Kyrie Irving addressed the media during Friday media day to provide an update on his rehabilitation following an ACL tear he sustained in March 2025. After missing all of the previous year and embracing an unofficial player-coach dynamic from the sidelines, the veteran star declared himself ready to return and eager to perform.

Irving is slated to share the hardwood with standout teammate Cooper Flagg as the franchise seeks a major resurgence. Flagg enters the upcoming campaign after capturing Rookie of the Year honors at nineteen years of age and recently noting a growth spurt to six-foot-ten.

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