Mavericks GM Nico Harrison gives statement on Kyrie Irving’s season-ending injury

Harrison compared Irving to Kobe Bryant for his work ethic, dedication, and passion for the game.

Oct 7, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison (right) looks on during warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Memphis Grizzlies at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks have been bogged down by injuries for what feels like the entirety of the season. The disappointment reached new heights on Monday night when Kyrie Irving went down awkwardly in the first quarter. Fans kept their fingers crossed but were crushed earlier today when it was revealed that Irving would miss the remainder of the season with a torn left ACL.

Irving did his best to carry the Mavericks since the franchise traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers roughly a month ago. The soon-to-be 33-year-old scored 25+ points in seven of his 11 appearances in the aftermath of the deal, including 42 points in a 111-107 victory against the Golden State Warriors on February 12.

On Tuesday evening, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison released a passionate message in the wake of Irving's injury during the final part of the regular season.

READ MORE: Kyrie Irving sends encouraging message to Mavericks fans after season-ending injury

Feb 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison walks off the court before the game between the Dallas and the Sacramento Kings at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Harrison called Irving 'the heart and soul' of Dallas and went on to compare his work ethic, dedication, and passion to one of the greatest players of all time, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

"There aren't words to fully describe who Kyrie Irving is to this team or what he means to us as an organization. Kyrie is the heart and soul of this team, and he has embraced the city of Dallas as his home and our fans as an extension of his own family," Harrison said in a release. "I've been fortunate to have witnessed his journey, his continued evolution and growth over the years, and am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to see him approach the game of basketball with the same energy and fierce passion for the game that he did as a young man on the verge of his career."

"His work ethic and absolute dedication to his craft, it's cut from the cloth of greats. I know it, I lived it, and I see the same ferocity and passion in him that I saw in Kobe," Harrison continued. "All my thoughts and that of our staff are with Kyrie and his family, and we are confident that he will come back from this stronger than ever just like he always has."

Mar 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) laughs with Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Irving was named an NBA All-Star for the ninth time earlier this year, stepping into the exhibition due to Anthony Davis's injury. There's a possibility that Davis won't play again this season as well.

In 50 starts, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals over 36.1 minutes per game. Irving shot over 40% from three-point range for the second consecutive campaign.

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