Article by David Istrate – published Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 09:47 / Updated Tuesday, April 22, 2025 09:49
Nico Harrison (52 years old), the general manager of Dallas Mavericks, returned on Monday, April 21, with new statements about Luka Doncic (26 years old), the superstar he sent to Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis (32 years).
After last week, Nico Harrison organized a closed doors meeting With some of the journalists from Dallas, on Monday, April 21, he was present at a press conference, in which he offered new statements related to Luka Doncic.
The transfer of Luka Doncic to Los Angeles Lakers takes the fans of Dallas Mavericks
The shocking decision to give up the Slovenian superstar at Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis angered the Texan fans and alienated them. Mavs' supporters asked Harrison's resignation, which made an amazing statement.
The manager of the NBA finalist of 2024 said he was not aware of how strong the relationship between Doncic and Maverick's supporters. “I knew Luka Doncic is important to our fans but I didn't know exactly how much“, Explained Harrison, at the press conference, according to ESPN.
However, Harrison states that he has underestimated the relationship between Doncic and Mavs fans, but believes that a title would reduce their anger.
“The way we look at the situation is that if you have Kyrie, Klay (No Thompson), PJ (Nr Washington), Anthony Davis and Lively, that's a title team that can win at the highest level. That would have reduced some of the rage. Unfortunately, we couldn't do this so we have to continue.
We just have to become healthy. I think the team we will have can win the title. We expect to have Kyrie with us next season, when he returns after the injury. And we believe that we will fight for the title, “said the 52 -year -old official.
Nico Harrison (right) and Jason Kidd (left), Dallas Mavericks/Photo: Imago Images
Nico Harrison: “I don't think I can be judged for this year's injuries”
“I think I did a very good job here. I don't think I can be judged for this year's injuries. I think I should be judged entirely, from one end to the other,” added Harrison, quoted by The Athletic.
Therefore, Mavericks' manager was delimited by the multiple injuries suffered by the team players in the 2024-2025 season. Just a few hours before the press conference, Tim Macmahon, ESPN journalist, published an article describing the deeper problems of the Texan organization.
One of them is that Harrison at Demis on Casey Smith, the director of the Health and Performance Department, and his colleagues, Jeremy Holsopple and Casey Spangler. Instead, Johann Bilsborough and Keith Belton were brought, who had a dysfunctional relationship in the current season.
Moreover, Belton does not hold any certificate recognized by the National Association of Physical Preparators, but NBA has made an exception and allowed this employment based on other certificates.
In the end, Nico Harrison was asked how he was going through this period when he is challenged by much of the fans.
“How am I doing? I'm fine. I said this last week. God takes care of me. I have an extraordinary family and a support group to help me get over it. Obviously I feel [reacțiile negative ale fanilor]but my job is to make decisions that I feel are in the best interest of this organization. I have to make my decisions. Some will be unpopular. This is definitely unpopular, ”concluded Dallas Mavericks' manager.
