Landon Buford
The Dallas Mavericks two weeks ago parted ways with long time general manager Donnie Nelson after 24 years. Nelson’s departure came after numerous reports of internal friction within the organization surrounding Haralabos Voulgaris, who this the Mavericks’ Director of Quantitative Research and Development.
The Mavericks would later tap Nike executive Nico Harrison as their general manager.
“We are very excited to bring Nico Harrison to Dallas and have him join our organization,” said Mark Cuban. “Nico brings a wealth of basketball knowledge along with both executive and leadership skills. He has proven to have a unique eye for talent on and off the court. I’m looking forward to watching Nico lead the Mavs to new heights.”
The day after Nelson and the Mavs parted ways, former head coach Rick Carlisle elected to resign.
“Dallas will always be home, but I am excited about the next chapter of my coaching career,” said Carlisle.
However, he did not go quietly; the coaches association president burned a bridge with former assistant coach Jamahl Mosley, according to The Athletic’s Tim Cato, when he endorsed Jason Kidd as his replacement.
Per Cato, Carlisle felt threatened by Mosley’s relationship with Rising star Luka Doncic. The Mavericks elected to hire Jason Kidd as their next coach.
“We are excited to welcome J-Kidd and his family back to Dallas,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. “He possesses a winning mentality that carried him through a Hall of Fame career as a player and has helped him successfully transition to the NBA’s coaching ranks. We are eager for him to get to work and lead our franchise and talented young players into the future.”
Dallas has a projected bright future with Luka Doncic and could lure free agents to Dallas.
NBA Insider Champ agrees.
“So, when you look at this generational talent in Luka Doncic potentially and what could be in the coming years in free agency. I’m wondering if that is one of the main reasons for bringing in a Jason Kidd versus someone else. That potentially we could see a Kevin Durant opted out of the Brooklyn Nets if they win the NBA championship next year and entertain Dallas, Texas, knowing that he did play for Texas in college back in 2007,” said Champ.
Kevin Durant is currently preparing to join Team USA this summer in Toyko. Following a heartbreaking loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The two-time finals MVP averaged, 26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists per game in 35 games this season for the Nets.
