It’s as if Mavericks GM Nico Harrison is intent on worsening his public image. Since trading Luka Doncic in February, Harrison has tried to justify the controversial move with comments that many felt only heightened the Dallas fan base’s contempt toward him.
Rather than going away quietly, Harrison continues to make the situation worse. On Monday, he made ignorant remarks about not being aware of the Mavericks fan base’s adulation for Doncic.
“I did know that Luka was important to the fan base. I didn’t quite know it to what level,” he said.
The comments portrayed Harrison as someone not in touch with his team’s fan base. Doncic had become a beloved figure in Dallas over his past few years, to the point where players from the Cowboys, Wings and Rangers were routinely present at Mavericks games. Even Dallas native Patrick Mahomes had grown into the biggest supporter of Doncic and rarely ever missed a game.
To suggest he was unaware of the city’s love for Doncic was either ignorant or disingenuous on Harrison’s part. TNT’s Charles Barkley believes it’s time for Harrison to stop addressing the media.
“Don’t do no more press conferences,” Barkley advised Harrison on Monday. “I don’t even know what you’re doing — I really don’t. I got sympathy and love for you, but I have zero idea what you’re trying to do. This war is over, brother. You’ve taken the L. Hope you keep your job, and the team gets healthy, but don’t do any more interviews.”
Shaquille O’Neal was even harsher with his assessment of Harrison.
“His problem is he wants to be liked, when he should just be focused on doing his job,” O’Neal said of Harrison. “… Of course, he knew the importance of Luka [to Dallas] but he wanted to be nice and give the corporate answer. My advice is just do your job and go with the flow.”
Many believe Harrison’s decision to trade Doncic for Anthony Davis can’t be accurately judged until next season, when a presumably healthy Mavericks team takes the floor. This season, their plans were jolted when Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
On the flipside, the Lakers would firmly win the trade if Doncic can guide them to an NBA championship this year.
