The Dallas Mavericks have become one of the most controversial NBA franchises due to last season’s Luka Doncic trade and firing Nico Harrison for it this year. Dallas is off to a terrible start and fans have already all but given up on the belief that the team can contend for an NBA Championship over the next few seasons.
Harrison was fired by ownership due to the fan outrage worsening with loud “Fire Nico” chants at every home game. The Athletic reported that Harrison tried to make Anthony Davis return before he was fully healthy from his recent injury battles.
“Harrison reportedly urged for Davis to return from his calf strain and play, according to The Athletic. Sources also reportedly told The Athletic that Davis himself has also tried convincing the team to let him play.
The team’s medical staff did not give in and have not let Davis return as they find it could potentially lead to him tearing his Achilles—which happened to Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton during the NBA Finals.”
The Davis for Doncic trade made their careers intertwined for the rest of their time in the NBA. Harrison felt the pressure from fans and tried to force Davis on the court too soon. Dallas’ only chance at contention is having a healthy Davis on the court, and Harrison was willing to risk further injury.
Nico Harrison Believed In Anthony Davis
One of the strangest aspects of the infamous trade is that Harrison went out of his way to offer a young superstar for an aging and lesser star with a reputation for injury problems. Harrison made some bold comments saying that defense wins championships and implied that Davis would be the perfect big man to pair with Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson for a title run.
Irving suffered an injury last season that ruined any realistic chance of making noise in the postseason. However, this worked out for the best since the Maverick lucked into jumping up in the draft to select Cooper Flagg as the top overall pick. This season is both hurting Flagg’s rookie development and exposing that Davis can’t be trusted as the best player.
Harrison doubled down after drafting Flagg and believed that both developing their new franchise player and contending for a title could happen at the same time. This season is proving that is not realistic and ultimately caused more fan anger for Nico to get fired.
Anthony Davis Gone Without Nico Harrison?
The next question for the Mavericks focuses on if Davis will remain with the franchise beyond this season. Most fans hope that Dallas trades Davis and other veterans for younger pieces to fully build around Flagg. Davis does not fit into the equation if Dallas keeps freefalling, especially since this is the last year they own their first draft pick for a while.
Davis is likely going to be put on the trade block with teams like the Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, and Golden State Warriors already rumored to have interest. Harrison losing his job means none of his decisions still matter in the big picture. The Mavericks can put the blame on him for losing Luka and make moves based on the future.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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