Kyrie Irving impresses Mavericks coach Dusty May: “Watching Picasso”
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Dusty May is entering his debut NBA season as head coach. While he’s facing a daunting task, having a talented Dallas Mavericks roster, including the returning Kyrie Irving, will make his job easier. The former Michigan coach saw the superstar…
Dusty May is entering his debut NBA season as head coach. While he’s facing a daunting task, having a talented Dallas Mavericks roster, including the returning Kyrie Irving, will make his job easier.
The former Michigan coach saw the superstar guard putting in work at a gym recently. He was impressed with what he saw and compared Irving to a prolific Spanish painter. May added that they also had a conversation.
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“I spoke with Kyrie and actually witnessed a workout this morning, and I felt like I left the gym watching Picasso paint a picture,” May said.
Irving continues to recover from the torn ACL he suffered in March 2025. The Mavericks expects him to be available for the start of the 2026-27 season. They hired May on June 23 as Jason Kidd’s replacement after he led the Michigan Wolverines to the national championship.
Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving (right) poses for a photo with Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham (left) after the game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
What’s next for Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks?
Irving’s return signals a fresh start for him and the Mavericks. The team has a new coach and fans will see the nine-time All-Star play alongside Cooper Flagg for the first time.
Dallas retooled its roster this offseason via the draft. The franchise drafted Morez Johnson at No. 9 and Sergio De Larrea at No. 25 overall in the first round. It also selected Vsevolod Ishchenko at No. 56 and signed Tobi Lawal to a two-way contract. Their only trade acquisition so far is Santi Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies.
The team finished last season with a 26-56 record and missed the playoffs. However, with May calling the plays and Irving leading the charge, the Mavericks are positioned well for a bounce back campaign.