After two losses to start the season, things are boiling over again at the Dallas Mavericks. Fans are calling for the firing of GM Nico Harrison.
The credibility of General Manager Nico Harrison among Dallas Mavericks fans is almost depleted after just two games of the new NBA season.
In the final seconds of the 107-117 loss to the Washington Wizards, loud “Fire Nico!” chants echoed through the American Airlines Center. Since Harrison sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a spectacular trade on February 2nd, there has been rest in Dallas.
Nico Harrison sent Luka Doncic away from Dallas
Coach asks for patience
Although the draft, in which the Mavs selected super talent Cooper Flagg, briefly brought a sense of new beginnings, the poor start with two clear home losses has caused the mood to shift again.
Head Coach Jason Kidd tried to calm things down after the Wizards loss. “Fans are allowed to vent their frustration, but we need patience,” explained the former point guard. “This is a completely new team, we need to find our way first.”
Mavs offense still stuttering
In the first two games, the offense was particularly problematic. “This is all correctable internally,” emphasized Mavs star Anthony Davis and added: “We are beating ourselves right now. We need to fix that.”
Despite Flagg’s college background as a forward, Kidd is trusting him as a point guard. Against Washington, he rewarded him with 18 points, five rebounds, and six assists, but also struggled with five turnovers. “We showed in the fourth quarter how we can play,” said Flagg.
Veteran Klay Thompson held the players accountable: “We need to give the fans something. We deserve the criticism.” Davis, however, isn’t letting the poor start make him nervous: “80 games are still left. A run of ten wins in a row – and the world looks different.”
Doncic shines with the Lakers
By the way: While Dallas struggles, Doncic is putting up historic numbers with the Lakers: 46.0 points on average, most recently 49 points, eleven rebounds, and eight assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That likely adds to the pain for the Mavs.