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The worst-case scenario for the Dallas Mavericks has come to fruition. On Tuesday morning, it was announced that star guard Kyrie Irving was going to miss the rest of the season — and the foreseeable future — after sustaining a torn ACL on Monday night during their blowout loss to the Sacramento Kings. The hits keep on coming for a Mavericks franchise that has been chastised left and right for their decision to trade away Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
General manager Nico Harrison, who has been at the center of criticism for his decision to trade Doncic away as well as his justifications for that decision of his, broke his silence on Irving's injury that has the Mavericks' championship window slammed shut.
“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's statement reads, via Shams Charania of ESPN.
“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.
“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.”
Harrison's comparison of Irving to Kobe stands out given the recent criticism of Doncic and how he allegedly didn't fit Dallas' culture. It continues to be more and more clear that Harrison had personal issues with Doncic.
Mavericks' future outlook gets bleak in the blink of an eye
The Mavericks are living their worst nightmares. Torn ACLs are no longer a death sentence for one's career thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, but regardless, Kyrie Irving is already 32 years of age and injuries of this sort can be very damaging for guards in their 30s.
Meanwhile, their blockbuster acquisition in Anthony Davis is still out due to a groin injury, and at this point, one would have to wonder just how the Mavericks will be able to contend in the loaded West considering the injury question marks to their two best players.
