DALLAS — The Mavericks have welcomed Kyrie Irving back without physical restrictions after a 19-month absence, effectively adding a highly skilled veteran guard they technically already employed.
Team officials described the development as exciting.
Several younger players reportedly required a reminder.
“Kyrie?” one fictional staffer said. “Yes, he’s actually on the team.”
Irving has said he is ready to return and “kick some butt,” giving Dallas a major offensive weapon after an absence long enough to qualify as its own developmental timeline.
The Mavericks spent nearly two seasons adjusting lineups, creating replacement roles and learning how to operate without him.
Now they must perform the significantly more difficult task of remembering how to operate with him.
Coaches are reviewing old film.
Teammates are learning his preferred spots.
Equipment staff confirmed his locker was still there.
Dallas believes Irving’s return can dramatically raise the team’s ceiling.
The only immediate challenge is integrating a star player whose last appearance feels like it occurred under a previous version of the franchise.
The Mavericks did not make a trade.
They did not sign a free agent.
They simply checked the injured list and found Kyrie Irving.
