Mavericks’ Irving says he’s ready to ‘kick some butt’ after ACL injury sidelined him for 19 months

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has said he is ready to play and "kick some butt" after recovering from an ACL injury that sidelined him for 19 months. The 34-year-old, speaking at the team's preseason media day, said he has no physical restrictions from the injury and is looking forward to being back on the court with his teammates.

Irving credited the injury for giving him time to reflect on his future as a player and as a person, emphasizing that his age and experience no longer hinder his competitiveness. The Mavericks, under new team president Masai Ujiri, will be entering a revamped season after a disappointing 26-56 record last year. Irving will also reunite with rookie teammate Cooper Flagg, who was last season's unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year.