Season over: Potential Boomer blows out knee

• Kyrie Irving suffers season-ending torn ACL in left knee
• Irving is toying with the idea of becoming eligible to play for the Australian Boomers
• Dallas faces uphill battle to maintain playoff position in Western Conference

Australian-American Dallas Mavericks superstar Kyrie Irving is out for the rest of the season and part of next season after tearing the ACL in his left knee against the Sacramento Kings, ESPN is reporting.

In extraordinary scenes reminiscent of Kobe Bryant shooting free throws after tearing his achilles heal, Irving stepped up to the free throw line and knocked down both after blowing his knee out. He was helped off the floor by former Los Angeles Lakers All-NBA First Team superstar Anthony Davis, who is also injured.

The 32-year-old Melbourne-born Irving was averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists this season.

He suffered the injury, which can take from six to 12 months to recover, late in the first quarter. As the Mavericks' best overall player, appearing in 50 of the team's 62 games, Irving's absence leaves a gaping hole in Dallas' lineup after the Mavs stunningly traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Davis.

Davis has been sidelined with an adductor strain since his debut on February 8, 2025. Additionally, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Caleb Martin are all unavailable because of various injuries.

Irving is toying with the idea of switching from Team USA to the Australian Boomers ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The loss of Irving, a nine-time All-Star, is significant blow given his all-world performance this season. He is the only NBA player averaging at least 20 points, 40% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line.

Irving had been shouldering a heavy workload for the Mavericks. In the 10 games following the Doncic trade, he averaged a league-high 39.3 minutes per game.

The 32-30 Mavericks are precariously positioned in the Western Conference. They hold a 3½ game lead over the Phoenix Suns for the 10th seed, which would secure them a spot in the play-in tournament. Without Irving, it's difficult to see how the Texas franchise can make the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

The timing of Irving's injury is also unfortunate given his contract situation. He has a $43 million player option for the 2025-26 season, the final year of a three-year, $126 million deal signed in 2023. The long-term implications of this injury on his future with the Mavericks and his overall career trajectory are now uncertain.

What is an ACL injury

An ACL tear is a common knee injury, particularly in sports that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, jumping, or pivoting. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of the four major ligaments in the knee, and it plays a crucial role in stabilizing the joint by preventing excessive forward movement of the tibia (shinbone) relative to the femur (thighbone).

Causes of an ACL Tear

• Sudden changes in direction (cutting or pivoting)
• Landing awkwardly from a jump
• Sudden stops or deceleration
• Direct impact or collision (e.g., in basketball, football, or soccer)
• Hyperextension of the knee

Symptoms

• A "popping" sound at the moment of injury
• Immediate and severe pain
• Rapid swelling within a few hours
• A feeling of instability or the knee "giving out" during movement
• Limited range of motion and difficulty bearing weight

Diagnosis

• Physical examination (Lachman test, anterior drawer test, pivot shift test)
• MRI scan to confirm ligament damage and assess associated injuries (e.g., meniscus tear, bone bruising)

Treatment Options

1. Non-Surgical Approach (for partial tears or low-demand individuals)
   • Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
   • Physical therapy to restore strength and stability
   • Bracing for support
2. Surgical Approach (for complete tears, high-demand athletes, or chronic instability)
   • ACL reconstruction using a graft (patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or donor tissue)
   • Rehabilitation (typically 6-12 months for full recovery)

Recovery & Rehabilitation

• Phase 1 (0-2 weeks) – Reduce swelling, regain motion, begin light weight-bearing
• Phase 2 (3-6 weeks) – Strengthening exercises, improved mobility
• Phase 3 (6-12 weeks) – Functional training, balance exercises
• Phase 4 (3-6 months) – Sport-specific drills, progressive strengthening
• Return to Sport (6-12 months) – After meeting strength, stability, and performance benchmarks

Prevention

• Strengthening quadriceps, hamstrings, and core muscles
• Neuromuscular training for proper landing and cutting mechanics
• Balance and agility drills
• Wearing proper footwear and bracing when necessary

ACL tears are serious injuries, particularly for basketballers, often requiring extensive rehab to return to full activity.