Mavericks may slow-play Kyrie Irving return with eyes on draft, future

Mavericks' Record Won't Impact Kyrie Irving's Return

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…

Mavericks may slow-play Kyrie Irving return with eyes on draft, future

Getty Kyrie Irving wants back on the floor this season. The Mavericks may not want him there. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Dallas could seriously consider pushing Irving’s return from a torn left ACL to next season, especially given where the team sits in the standings. Irving suffered the injury in early March, has not yet been cleared to practice, and while he is eager to play, league sources expect internal discussions about shutting it …