The Athletic’s profile of Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison doesn’t help his case regarding his role in Luka Doncic’s departure, but it does offer a glimpse into his personality: He comes across as someone you’d avoid talking to at a party, or maybe someone you would see as a close friend. For example, Harrison is known for his obsession with nutrition and often starts conversations by asking, “What did you eat today?”
Despite the potential for irritation, this detail contributes to the image of Harrison as the villain in the universally criticized trade that sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Harrison has faced heavy criticism, yet it’s clear that the decision was likely influenced by an ownership group, including figures like team governor Patrick Dumont, rather than just him.
The article suggests that Harrison’s decision to trade Doncic stemmed from paranoia about secrecy, making it seem like he wasn’t willing to explore other options despite the likelihood of more favorable deals. His desire to keep things confidential worked against him here, as general managers need interpersonal skills, and Harrison appears to lack that. His tendency to be “almost too honest” in dealings could have been a disadvantage in the trade market, where deception and manipulation are often more effective.
Harrison’s fixation on Doncic’s dietary habits also explains the motivation to sever ties with him. The trade, which has made the Mavs less popular than other Dallas teams, also didn’t achieve the intended results, with key players suffering injuries. If this trade fails, Harrison’s decision will be remembered as a colossal mistake, no matter how things unfold in the future.
At the end of the article, Harrison’s own words provide insight into his thinking: “The easiest thing for me is to do nothing. Everyone would praise me for doing nothing. We really believed in it. Time will tell if I’m right.”
In hindsight, the trade was mishandled. Harrison’s reputation is tarnished, and if the Mavericks’ struggles continue, he’ll be blamed. Whatever happens, it’s clear that Nico Harrison will be left with the fallout alone.
