The Dallas Mavericks have dismissed general manager Nico Harrison following a disappointing start to the NBA season. Harrison’s firing came after the team’s home loss to the struggling Washington Wizards on October 24, 2023, where fans chanted “Fire Nico!” in frustration. The discontent among supporters has grown since the controversial trade that sent star player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year.
On February 2, 2023, Harrison orchestrated the deal that sent Doncic, a five-time All-NBA selection, to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick. At that time, Doncic was in the midst of a standout performance, scoring 49 points against the New Orleans Pelicans, highlighting the stark contrast between his impact and the Mavericks’ current struggles.
Harrison’s tenure faced mounting criticism as the Mavericks began the season with a dismal record of 3-8, placing them near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. In contrast, Doncic has excelled with the Lakers, leading the league in scoring with an impressive average of 37.1 points per game.
Reasons Behind the Dismissal
The decision to part ways with Harrison stemmed from a loss of confidence by team governor Patrick Dumont. Sources indicated that Dumont regretted the trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers, particularly as the Mavericks struggled with one of the NBA’s worst offenses. The franchise’s offensive performance has been lackluster, with an average of only 104.2 points per 100 possessions, ranking them last in the league for three-point shooting and assists.
Dumont’s trust in Harrison deteriorated further when he took an active role in the medical decisions regarding Davis, who has missed several games due to a calf strain. After a series of disappointing losses, including a recent game where the Mavericks squandered a 13-point lead, Dumont decided that immediate action was necessary.
In a statement to fans, Dumont expressed his commitment to restoring the Mavericks to a winning culture, emphasizing the need for change. “I understand the profound impact these difficult last several months have had,” he wrote.
Challenges Ahead for the Mavericks
The Mavericks now face significant challenges as they attempt to rebuild. Assistant general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi have been appointed to lead the basketball operations on an interim basis. The franchise’s direction may shift towards focusing on young talent, particularly Cooper Flagg, who was acquired through a fortunate lottery pick.
The critical question now is whether the Mavericks will explore trading Davis, given the team’s current trajectory. While Davis remains a powerful player when healthy, concerns about his durability could complicate any potential trade discussions.
As the Mavericks work to address their current issues, the front office’s future remains uncertain. Former owner Mark Cuban, who anticipated a continued role in basketball operations after selling the majority of the team, has suggested hiring Dennis Lindsey, the former vice president and general manager of the Utah Jazz, to help guide the franchise moving forward.
The road ahead for the Mavericks will require careful navigation as they seek to regain the trust of their fans and find a path back to competitiveness.
