Ahead of the 2026-27 season, amid trade speculation surrounding Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving, team president Masai Ujiri is excited for the nine-time All-Star's comeback season. While some predict the upcoming season will be Irving's last with the Mavericks, Ujiri said Kyrie can help mentor his young teammates in Dallas. Masai is entering his first season as president in Dallas.
After missing all of last season with an ACL injury, Irving's return to the Mavericks increases their chances of a winning season, Ujiri said on ESPN's The Hoop Collective podcast.
“I think it was Kevin Durant that said it best: there's only one Kyrie walking around in the world,” Ujiri said. “It's crazy, you know? You see him and his talent; that's kind of what we see to ease up the game. But also, Kyrie, as a player, we truly believe in him. We truly believe that he can succeed on our team. I truly believe that if we have the right players playing, we can really grow as a team in a new system with a new culture we're trying to build. I truly believe that.”
Mavericks veteran Kyrie Irving's impact on the court is undeniable, and Mavericks president Masai Ujiri is looking forward to it most this upcoming season.
Article Continues Below“Basketball-wise, he causes havoc; he causes spacing, you know? He's one of those guys that can still do it himself,” Ujiri added. “And I think that will ease up a lot of stuff for a few guys on our team.”
Irving finished with 17 points on 6-for-13 shooting, including two threes, three assists, and two rebounds in 17 minutes of the Mavericks' 132-115 preseason win against the Houston Rockets overseas in China on Sunday.