The Dallas Mavericks suffered a massive blow in their recent matchup with the Sacramento Kings, as their biggest star, Kyrie Irving, went down with a season-ending ACL injury.
Several notable figures, including Irving’s former teammate Luka Dončić, sent him well wishes for a speedy recovery. Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison also issued a statement on Irving’s injury, praising the star shooting guard’s energy, passion for the game, and exemplary work ethic. However, Dallas fans were far from impressed and ripped Harrison apart on social media.
Mavs GM Nico Harrison Faces Backlash From Fans Over Kyrie Irving Injury Statement
posted by ESPN’s Shams Charania on March 4, Harrison shared an emotional statement following Irving’s season-ending injury, describing him as the “heart and soul” of the team.
“There aren’t words to fully describe who Kyrie Irving is to this team or what he means to us as an organization.”
He also compared Irving’s work ethic to that of the late Kobe Bryant, adding, “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. I’ve been fortunate to have witnessed his journey, his continued evolution and growth.
“Over the years, I 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.”
Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison on Kyrie Irving: "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."
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/2msUzeyJtb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 5, 2025
Harrison’s statement expressed genuine concern and appreciation for the nine-time NBA All-Star. However, Mavericks fans weren’t convinced. They stormed social media, calling his words empty and accusing him of trying to deflect blame.
It’s clear that fans are still livid over the controversial trade that sent Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. Many believe Harrison’s leadership has hurt the team, and Irving’s injury has only added to their frustration.
“Don’t trust a word he says,” one fan bluntly wrote.
Others dismissed his statement entirely, with one saying, “No one cares about his opinion.”
Some questioned the need for such a statement, wondering if Harrison was simply trying to save face.
Is it normal for a GM to do a statement like this? Or is Nico just doing it because he's on the hot seat?
— LACryptic (@la_cryptic) March 5, 2025
Some even went so far as to blame the Mavericks’ GM for Irving’s injury, suggesting overuse played a role.
“He injured him by playing him 40 minutes a night smh.”
One particularly angry fan criticized Harrison for bringing up Kobe Bryant, calling it a PR stunt.
“Absolutely disgusting to keep using Kobe Bryant for PR, first to bury Luka Dončić, and now for PR on the Kyrie Irving injury.”
The Mavericks are now without two of their biggest names — Irving and Anthony Davis, who is also sidelined with a left adductor strain. Currently sitting 10th in the Western Conference, Dallas has a tough road ahead to secure a playoff spot. Fans are certainly unhappy with how things have unfolded for their team lately, and given the circumstances, their frustrations seem justified.