After missing the entire 2025-26 campaign due to a knee injury suffered during the previous season, Irving will presumably be inserted straight into the starting lineup come opening night. Dallas went with a number of point guard options last year, namely Brandon Williams, Ryan Nembhard and even Cooper Flagg. While Flagg is obviously going to play a sizable role again this season, his preferred position is as a point-forward, as opposed to being the primary ball-handler. The point guard depth is sketchy, at best, meaning as long as Irving is healthy, he should get all the run he can handle. Prior to the injury, Irving had compiled multiple seasons in which he ended as a first-round player, at least from a per-game perspective. Although expecting him to replicate those performances might be wishful thinking, there is no reason to think he can't be a second or third-round player. He might be available at a slight discount due to the recent injury history. However, experienced fantasy managers are well aware of what he can do on a basketball court. Anyone hoping to land him in drafts will likely have to dip into the fourth, if not third-round to secure his services.