Kyrie Irving cryptically hints Mavericks' never-ending problem is nearing its end

The injury bug took its toll on the Dallas Mavericks this season. The team has dealt with it all, from ankle sprains to knee soreness, MCL sprains, stress fractures, and more. It all began at the start of the season when Dante Exum broke his wrist in training camp. Exum missed the season's first four months, recovering from surgery.

Things soon escalated from there. The Mavs' center position took the biggest hit as numerous players suffered injuries. Dereck Lively II was the first to go down. Lively II suffered a right ankle stress fracture that has sidelined him since mid-January. Then, newcomer Anthony Davis went down after his first game with the team with an adductor injury. Dwight Powell and Daniel Gafford have also suffered various injuries, and their center rotation has been nonexistent as Kessler Edwards has been forced to start at the five.

However, good news is on the way. Powell has participated in various workouts, and his return could be on the way soon. This is the exact news Mavs fans have been waiting for. The team desperately needs one of their centers back in action. Getting Powell back could be a positive step for Dallas.

Kyrie Irving's optimism signals brighter days for the Mavericks

If Powell returns, this could hopefully create a domino effect for other players. For example, P.J. Washington and Caleb Martin have also been out. Their return could give the Mavs positive reinforcements. The team will need everyone fully healthy to make a late playoff push.

In a recent interview with ESPN's Malika Andrews, Kyrie Irving spoke about the team's health and toll injuries have taken on the team.

Irving mentioned that once healthy, him and Davis could become an unstoppable duo.

"We had how many minutes together," Irving asked. "Everybody saw it. It was the microcosm of just the impact that AD makes."

He discussed how Davis, Gafford, and Lively II give Dallas a deadly force up front. Irving stated that pairing all three big men together could spell trouble for future opponents. He also discussed other names like Washington and Max Christie who he believes are high-level players emerging in the league.

His mentioning of his teammates was simple. Irving believes the team is heading in a positive direction.

"We're getting healthy at the right time," Irving stated.

No one knows exactly what Irving meant by this, but good news could be on the way.

The news of Powell could be signifying Irving's message. The team has yet to give an update on his injury. Powell has been out since January 17 with a hip strain. Yet, his rumored progression and the team's inability to speak further on the news might be a good thing.

Washington could also return. He is currently listed as a game-time decision for Friday's game. Assuming he returns, this could give coach Jason Kidd a much-needed upgrade in the starting lineup. Washington has shown the ability to play multiple positions, including the center spot. He is more than capable of excelling at the five spot and using his physicality and 3-point shooting to make things tough on opposing bigs.

Also, with the All-Star break passed, the team is getting closer to other players making their return. Once healthy, Dallas could be one of the top defense teams in the league. There's no question their players up front are elite. Offensively, the team too could do some damage.

So, Irving is right. As more time passes, the team is inching closer to making a full recovery. It'll be up to Irving to help keep the team afloat until everyone returns. Dallas also has a crucial schedule coming up, as Luka Doncic is waiting next week.