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The Dallas Mavericks are in a state of a rebuild. They currently have their young core figured out in Cooper Flagg, Marvin Bagley III, and Max Christie. Another talent is also likely coming out of the NBA Draft to add to their depth. However, none of that would really make sense if ownership has not found a replacement for Nico Harrison at the general manager position. They do have one legend who is up for the challenge and knows what good player-front office relationships look like — Michael Finley.
Mavericks likely hiring new GM sooner than later
As it stands, there are currently two leading candidates to replace Harrison. Finley is one of them and the other is Matt Riccardi. Both of them have been working on the front office as interims. They facilitated trade deadline transactions and even got Khris Middleton as a mentor to Flagg, Christie, and Bagley III. It will not take more time until one of them officially takes over the role.
In fact, the Mavericks are targeting an official general manager hiring before the NBA Draft. The front office got real on why they are very meticulous with the process, via Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News.
"It’s a huge hire. It’s a really important role when you think about developing culture, sustaining culture, how we manage the draft, how we manage the vision and direction of the team. It’s a lot to that position, but what I really like about our approach is we’re not rushing anything," Mavericks president Ethan Casson declared.
Finley has since also openly stated that he wants to lead the Mavericks front office. The former three-time NBA All-Star posits that he knows what the organization stands for and has practically lived the spirit of Dallas' squad.
"I think I am Dallas. I’m everything that Dallas is about. I played here through the good times and bad times and as a fan of the Mavericks, I know what it takes and I know what the fans are looking for. I would love to have the chance to lead this franchise into the future and to, ultimately, championship contenders," Finley said.
Those statements do hold true. Finley played nine seasons and ranked inside the Top 20 of NBA MVP voting thrice. He led the Mavericks to the postseason in five seasons alongside a young Dirk Nowitzki. If that scenario is familiar, it is because they are following the same route that those early 2000s teams took to become contenders.
A big decision will determine whether or not Flagg becomes a championship-contending star with the Mavericks. Will Finley be the one who helps them there?
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