The Dallas Mavericks have fired Nico Harrison, the morning after fans turned their anger on the embattled general manager.
Harrison was informed he had lost his job during a 10am meeting with team governor Patrick Dumont, hours after the Mavericks went down 116-114 to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Fan frustration has been building in Dallas ever since the February trade that saw Luka Doncic sent to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick.
Five-time first-team All-NBA selection Doncic was hugely popular with the Mavs fans after propelling the franchise to the NBA Finals the year before.
His departure led to protests at the time and that discontent has never really dissipated with chants of “fire Nico” echoing round the American Airlines Center during the fourth quarter last night as the Bucks hit back from a 13-point deficit.
Dallas chief Dumont notes atmosphere and takes action
Dumont, attending his first home game since opening night, watched the collapse from his courtside seat, showing no visible reaction to the crowd’s chants.
But he took decisive action this morning.
In a statement on the team’s website, the Mavs said: “Dallas Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont today announced that the organization has relieved Nico Harrison of his role as general manager and president of basketball operations, effective immediately.
“In conjunction with this decision, the Mavericks have appointed Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi as co-interim general managers to oversee basketball operations. A comprehensive search will begin for a permanent replacement.
“This decision reflects our continued commitment to building a championship-caliber organization, one that delivers for our players, our partners, and most importantly, our fans,” said Dumont.
“The Mavericks named Harrison general manager and president of basketball operations on June 28, 2021.
“In his first season with the team, the Mavericks posted a 52-30 record and advanced to the Western Conference Finals during the 2021-22 season.
“Dallas reached the NBA Finals during the 2023-24 season, their first Finals appearance since their 2011 championship season.
The Mavericks have now lost five of six games without Anthony Davis, the centrepiece of the controversial Doncic trade.
Davis, who has been nursing a calf strain, was expected to return for Saturday’s road game against Washington, but the medical staff advised against it out of caution.
The cautious approach comes after a similar situation last season, when Davis aggravated an injury upon returning too early, sidelining him for six weeks.
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