Kyrie Irving Says ACL Rehab Is Progressing; Haliburton Projects 2026 Comeback; Staley Would Have Taken Knicks Job
irving-haliburton-staley-updates
Dallas, TX — Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving reported steady advancement in his recovery from a torn left ACL, noting “incremental growth” roughly five months after undergoing surgery at the end of March. Although medical staff describe the 33-year-old’s progress as ahead of schedule, the organization is maintaining a cautious timeline. Typical recovery for a professional player ranges from eight to 12 months, placing Irving’s possible return between January and mid-2026. General manager Nico Harrison has reiterated that Dallas will not accelerate the process.
Indianapolis, IN — Pacers All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton provided his own timetable on the Impaulsive podcast, estimating that he will be back on the court 15 months after the right Achilles tear he suffered in Game 7 of the Finals. That schedule points to a late-2026 return, ruling him out for the entire upcoming season. Haliburton averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists during a breakout 2024-25 campaign that carried Indiana to the Finals. The Pacers will also be without center Myles Turner, who signed with Milwaukee in free agency.
New York, NY — University of South Carolina coach Dawn Staley confirmed on the Post Moves podcast that she interviewed for the Knicks’ head-coaching vacancy this offseason and would have accepted the position had it been offered. New York ultimately hired Mike Brown, and Staley was not among the finalists, according to The Athletic. Had she joined the Knicks, Staley would have entered a small cohort of women on NBA staffs that currently includes Indiana’s Jenny Boucek, Atlanta’s Brittni Donaldson, and the Lakers’ Lindsey Harding. Harding became the first woman to earn G League Coach of the Year honors in 2024 while leading Stockton.
Source: Hoops Wire
