Dallas Mavericks normal supervisor Nico Harrison says he miscalculated the depth of affection his membership’s followers had for Luka Dončić earlier than the controversial commerce that despatched the star to the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, regardless of the persistent calls from followers for Harrison to be fired within the months for the reason that deal, he nonetheless believes it was the suitable transfer for constructing a championship contender in Dallas.
“I did know that Luka was necessary to the fanbase,” Harrison stated on Monday. “I didn’t fairly understand it to what stage.”
Harrison stated he had anticipated blowback from the commerce, however thought it could have eased sooner if Anthony Davis, who the Lakers despatched to the Mavs in return for Dončić, had been in a position play with Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington and Dereck Vigorous II. As a substitute, these 5 haven’t performed collectively but, and the star combo of Davis and Irving shared fewer than three quarters collectively due to accidents to each gamers.
“We really feel that’s a championship-caliber workforce and we’d have been successful at a excessive stage and that will have quieted a few of the outrage,” Harrison stated. “And so sadly we weren’t in a position to try this, so it simply continued to go on and on.
Harrison stated he believed the Mavs will get an excellent participant within the first spherical of this yr’s draft, the place they’re slated to choose eleventh. He additionally didn’t rule out adjustments in free company. However when requested what Dallas wanted to develop into a contender once more, Harrison stated, “Actually, we simply must get wholesome. I believe the workforce we’re bringing again is a championship caliber. We absolutely count on to have Kyrie again with us subsequent yr when he will get healed from his harm. And we consider we’ll be competing for a championship.”
Harrison stated repeatedly final week that “protection wins championships” whereas defending the commerce. Dončić, who has been criticized for his protection regardless of main the Mavs to the NBA finals final season, described these feedback as “unhappy”.
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Harrison, who stated he hasn’t spoken to the five-time All-NBA for the reason that commerce, was requested about that trade and stated, “I really feel the identical approach he does. I’ve truly by no means spoken in poor health of Luka, and I’m simply prepared to maneuver on with this workforce that we have now.”
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