Kyrie Irving‘s ability to return to action this season doesn’t hinge on the success of the team, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd declared on Thursday.
“That has nothing to do with it,” Kidd said, per Christian Clark of The Athletic. “It’s about, for him, mentally and physically being able to play at the highest level in his mind. No one else’s.”
There has been growing speculation regarding Dallas’ plans for Irving, who has spent most of the past year recovering from an ACL tear he sustained last March. The Mavericks entered Thursday’s action with an 18-26 record.
The Mavericks’ plans for Irving should become clearer following the All-Star break. For now, they just want him to continue to progress in his rehab.
“There isn’t anything new,” Kidd said. “I know there is lot of speculation going on. He is working extremely hard in rehab. I spent some time with him yesterday. He’s in good spirits. He feels great. At some point, there will be a timeline. Right now, there is no timeline. But spending time with him yesterday, he’s working extremely hard.”
Irving is in the first year of a three-year extension that totals $118,473,846 and includes a player option. He averaged 24.7 points and 4.6 assists in 50 games last season.
According to Kidd, Irving is eager to get back on the court before next season. It would also be helpful for Irving to try to develop chemistry with new franchise player Cooper Flagg.
“He wants to play,” Kidd said. “But when you come back from an ACL, it’s a time thing. Mentally and physically, you want to be 100 percent. So for him, he’s doing both of those things at a high level. At some point, there will be a schedule.”