Rising ticket prices have Mavericks fans fired up. Another reason which only strengthens GM Nico Harrsion’s position as public enemy no.1. Just last week, the team announced an 8% hike, even though they’re stuck as the No. 10 seed in the West. And it gets worse. On Monday, veteran Kyrie Irving tore his ACL in his left knee, ending his season. At 32, Irving was putting in nearly 39 minutes a game—the heaviest workload since Harrison traded away 26-year-old Luka Doncic.

Yet, on Tuesday, Harrison tried to ease the pain by issuing a heartfelt statement supporting his star guard via Shams Charania. He’s trying to show he cares, even as criticism rages on.

Harrison expressed deep admiration for the veteran guard, calling him the “heart and soul” of the team while drawing a powerful comparison to the late 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,” Harrison’s statement read. “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.”

Nico, who has known Irving for years, spoke on the guard’s relentless dedication to the game. “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,” he continued.

He then made a striking comparison to Bryant, whom he worked closely with during his time at Nike. “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 closed his statement with words of support and confidence in Irving’s recovery. “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.”

When Anthony Davis injured himself during his Dallas debut, Irving’s value skyrocketed, and he became crucial on and off the court. According to ESPN Insider Shams Charania, the dynamic guard was on track for a max contract this summer. That possibility now hangs in the balance as he battles a serious lower‑body injury just before his 33rd birthday on March 23.

Charania broke it down on The Pat McAfee show:

“He was on track to get a max contract this offseason potentially. He has a player option for $44 million next season,” he said. In 50 starts, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals over 36.1 minutes per game, while shooting over 40% from three-point range for the second straight season. Acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023, he earned two All‑Star nods in Dallas and played a huge role in the NBA Finals run. As a Mavericks fan, it’s hard not to wonder what comes next—but one thing’s clear: Irving remains central to their future plans. And he’s planning to come back stronger.

Kyrie Irving has already started his recovery process

Kyrie Irving’s season came to an abrupt end Monday night, but instead of dwelling on the setback, he’s already looking ahead. The Mavericks star tore his ACL in the first quarter of Dallas’ 122-98 loss to the Kings, a crushing blow for both him and the team.

The 9x All-Star went down on a drive to the basket, planting awkwardly before immediately signaling for help. Tests later confirmed the worst—his season was over. But just a day later, he took to social media to reassure fans that his mindset remains strong.

“It hurts. It hasn’t been 48 hours since I tore my ACL, but the recovery process already started—mentally, spiritually, emotionally. I just wanted to let you guys know I’m OK and I will be OK moving forward,” he said. “It does suck a lot, I ain’t gonna lie to you guys. This one stings for sure, but I have a great supporting system around me.”

Irving also acknowledged how chaotic the season has been, especially after Luka’s trade to the Lakers.

“I gave it all this season… It’s been a lot of change that’s happened very quickly over the last month and some change,” he admitted.

With Doncic gone, Irving out, and AD still sidelined, the 32-30 Mavericks are barely clinging to playoff hopes. What started as a championship chase is now a battle just to stay relevant.