Kyrie Irving update is the juice Mavericks needed to forget about nightmare start

According to ESPN's Marc J. Spears, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving is "ahead of schedule" when it comes to his recovery from an ACL tear that he suffered back in March. Adding to this good news, Spears said, "Someone close to (Irving) told me if it was the playoffs, he could play right now."

This is one of the more intriguing Irving updates that we have gotten all season long, and Spears optimistically noted that a target return date for him could be at the end of January or around the All-Star break.

"He wants to be back and he's ready," Spears reported.

Spears: Kyrie Irving could return to the court if playoffs started tomorrow

Jason Kidd made it clear following Nico Harrison's firing that their plan for Irving and his potential return hasn't changed at all, noting that his progress has gone well and emphasizing that he is working hard to get back on the floor. Irving's relentless mindset and hard work throughout his recovery have been evident, as he has been doing whatever he needs to do to make sure he comes back stronger than before.

Irving has gone viral for looking smooth and far along in his recovery with videos of him shooting jumpers and looking fluid, and Spears' report fuels the fire even more when it comes to him returning this season.

Mavericks fans pulled back on the reins during the offseason when Irving wouldn't say if he believed that he would be back in time for the 2026 NBA Playoffs, but all of the tea leaves surrounding him and his situation seem to be pointing in a positive direction. Even if the Mavericks have tried to downplay his return, all signs are pointing to him playing this season.

Despite the Mavericks being 4-10 and near the bottom of the Western Conference, Irving's return to the lineup at some point is going to be something that gets fans excited again.

He isn't letting his foot off the gas just because his team is struggling. This is likely making him want to work harder, as Kidd noted that he is "antsy" to return and help his team win some games.

He has become the heart and soul of the team since they traded Luka Doncic just nine months ago, and fans desperately need something to be excited about.

Anthony Davis' once-hyped first full season with the Mavericks has already crumbled due to a calf strain that he suffered in his fifth game of the year, and with Dallas likely looking to trade him, Irving may be the glue that holds the team together by the time that the 2025-26 season wraps up.

A playoff berth is looking like a long shot for the Mavs at this point, but Irving coming back and proving that he can still be one of the best point guards in the league will be a breath of fresh air. He and Cooper Flagg will have the chance to form a deadly duo down the final stretch of the season, and Mavs fans can't wait to see what they can do on the court together.

Whether Irving and Flagg's on-court partnership will lead to wins or not remains to be seen, but Irving's presence on the court will be a welcomed sight in Dallas.