The Dallas Mavericks announced Tuesday that star guard Kyrie Irving underwent surgery after breaking his left hand during a workout in early July.
No timeline for restoration has been announced at this time.
Irving, 32, led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, where the team lost in five games to the Boston Celtics.
Irving also had an impressive postseason, averaging 22.1 points, 5.1 assists and steals while shooting 46.7% from the field and 39% from three-point range in 22 games. The eight-time All-Star was just as effective during the season, averaging 25.6 points, 5.2 assists, 5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.
He has fit in well in Dallas, pairing with Luka Doncic to give the Mavs one of the most talented and competitive backcourts in sports.
The good news for the Mavericks is that Irving will have about three months to recover before the regular season begins in October, and the injury to his non-shooting hand will also be a relief to the Mavericks.
Dallas wasn't satisfied after their Finals run, acquiring sharpshooters Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall before moving on to trade Derrick Jones Jr. to the Los Angeles Clippers. Thompson's perimeter shooting and championship experience would make him a good fit behind Doncic and Irving.
The Western Conference is packed with teams like the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves that will pose a threat to the Mavericks' championship hopes, but with Irving healthy alongside Doncic, the Mavericks will be favorites no matter who they face.
