NBA writer rips Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison's 'vision'

The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for a postseason push this summer after missing the playoffs in the 2024-25 season. 

Dallas has bolstered its star-studded roster featuring Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. The team landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and selected Duke standout Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks also signed D’Angelo Russell to a two-year deal, and he’s expected to take on an increased role while Irving recovers from a torn ACL in his left knee. 

These moves followed the franchise’s shocking decision to trade away superstar Luka Doncic last season — a move that sparked outrage but ultimately resulted in a stroke of lottery luck. While general manager Nico Harrison’s plan to contend now appears to be taking shape, Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report criticized Harrison’s so-called vision. 

“The Vision: Make a universally planned trade that sparks a fan uprising, lose enough down the stretch of a ‘win now’ season to get decent lottery odds, hit the jackpot on a 1.8 percent shot at the top pick, select Cooper Flagg,” Hughes wrote. “Either Harrison is an all-time gaslighter, or he’s just genuinely convinced that accidents are planned.” 

MORE: Cooper Flagg cracks joke after dominant Summer League performance

Harrison cited Doncic’s conditioning and lack of defensive effort as key reasons for trading him to acquire Davis. Even though the five-time All-Star point guard led the team to the 2024 NBA Finals, the organization decided it was ready to move on — much to the dismay of Mavericks fans. 

“Fire Nico” chants became a regular rallying cry after the decision, and now the team hopes a deep playoff run will help repair its relationship with fans. 

Still, the Mavericks have the tools to compete this season and will look to win their fans over after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign.

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