Nico Harrison’s recent decisions as general manager of the Dallas Mavericks have placed him under scrutiny, raising questions about his job security amid a disappointing 2-7 start for the team. Having traded away franchise star Luka Doncic, a move that left many fans disheartened, Harrison’s choices have seemingly made the Mavericks older and diminished their chances of championship contention. This season marks a stark contrast to their journey to the Finals in 2024, as they currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference.
The Mavericks did secure the No. 1 pick in the draft, selecting Cooper Flagg. However, the decision to utilize Flagg in an unconventional position appears to hinder his development. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon discussed the situation on his podcast, indicating that many around the league are questioning whether Harrison’s position is under threat. “A legitimate question right now is: Is Nico Harrison’s job in serious jeopardy? It’s a question that Mavericks fans are eager to see resolved,” MacMahon stated.
Adding to the Mavericks’ woes, Luka Doncic’s outstanding performance this season—averaging 40 points per game—only highlights the struggles of his former team. Meanwhile, the Lakers, led by Doncic, boast a strong record of 7-2, showcasing a top-ten offense in the league. The Mavericks, conversely, have struggled offensively, sitting at the bottom in that category.
While the decision to trade Doncic ultimately rests with team owner Patrick Dumont, Harrison has pointed to various injuries impacting the roster, including an ACL injury to Kyrie Irving and issues with Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II. However, as MacMahon noted, the team had ample time during the offseason to address these gaps, especially considering Irving’s known injury history.
The uncertainty surrounding Harrison’s future raises the question of whether Dumont is prepared to make a change. Would he be willing to fire Harrison, acknowledging the failure of a trade he approved? Alternatively, will he allow more time for improvement, hoping for a turnaround similar to what we have seen from franchises like Memphis and Denver in the past?
Cooper Flagg, projected to be a star, is currently facing challenges adapting as a rookie tasked with unfamiliar responsibilities on the court. Though the Mavericks’ odds of acquiring the top pick were slim at just 1.8%, the management’s decision to draft Flagg offers them only a limited grace period to turn their fortunes around. As the season progresses, the pressure will mount to see if the Mavericks can right the ship and restore hope to their fans.