Dallas Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont addressed the firing of former Mavericks GM Nico Harrison in an open letter to fans Tuesday. Harrison was fired Tuesday after the teamâ€s 3–8 start to the season.
Dumont and Miriam Adelson became the majority owners of the team in 2023 after former owner Mark Cuban sold the majority share.
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Dumont began the letter by acknowledging the Mavericks’ success in the 2024 season, advancing all the way to the NBA Finals before falling short against the eventual champion Boston Celtics. That run sparked high expectations for the franchise.
The Mavericks†playoff success did not carry over to the following season, however, as they failed to make the playoffs after qualifying for the play-in tournament. After last yearâ€s disappointment, a slow start to this season and a passionate (and vocal) fan base holding the team accountable, Dumont felt it was time to make changes.
“When the results donâ€t meet expectations, itâ€s my responsibility to act,†Dumont said. “Iâ€ve made the decision to part ways with general manager Nico Harrison.â€
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Mavericks fans turned up the heat on Harrison on Monday evening as Dallas hosted the Milwaukee Bucks, with “Fire Nico” chants ringing out through the crowd.
One person Dumont did not address in the letter was former Maverick Luka DonÄić. Last February, the Mavericks traded DonÄić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.
Davis has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 52% shooting this season. Despite putting up solid numbers offensively, he has struggled to stay healthy in Dallas. This season, he has played in only five games, missing the last five with a lingering calf injury. Since the trade last February, Davis has appeared in just 13 games for the Mavericks.
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DonÄić, on the other hand, is off to a blazing start in L.A. this year. Despite playing only seven games this season, he currently leads the NBA in scoring, averaging 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game.
Dumont emphasized the team still has time to turn the season around and reassured fans that his goal remains winning.
“Our goal is to return to winning basketball in Dallas and win championships,†Dumont said. “Our family is committed to that mission and to continuing to invest in Dallas and the Mavericks†future.â€
The future begins with this yearâ€s No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old rookie, who entered the league with high expectations, has yet to make a significant impact. Flagg is averaging 15 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 42.4% shooting while starting the season at point guard.
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Flagg had his best game against the Bucks on Monday night, posting 26 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists while playing his natural forward position. He later revealed he had played through a thumb injury in the game but said he was fine afterward.
The Mavericks are also counting on the eventual return of point guard Kyrie Irving, who is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered at the end of last season.
Dumontâ€s final statement urged fans to continue supporting the team and the organization.
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