Ever since the Luka Doncic deal stunned the entire basketball world, the public eye has viewed Nico Harrison as the man at fault.
The Dallas Mavericks general manager particularly absorbed all of the general backlash and protests from the franchise fanbase. And when the reasons were revealed behind Luka Doncic being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, he was heavily criticized by some experts for how he pulled the trigger.
Doncic, a 25-year-old generational superstar, propelled the Mavericks to an era of stability and promise in the post-Dirk Nowitzki era which was highlighted by an NBA Finals run in 2024.
But in an instant, all of that was washed away, with Doncic traded away to the Lakers.
Nico Harrison has taken a lot of all of the blame from everyone for the Mavericks’ shocking decision to deal with Doncic. It was his idea. Yet despite the risk, some offered their praise for the top executive’s bold move.
But not all the blame and frustration among Mavs fans should be directed towards Harrison. And for David Aldridge, the Mavericks ownership deserves a fair share of scrutiny as well.
Aldridge told The Rich Eisen Show: “I’m not going to absolve Mavs ownership. General managers recommend at that level. They do not decide to trade Luka Doncic. They recommend to ownership and the owner decides if they want to do it or not.
“And that’s what I want to see more of where this trade is being evaluated. I want to see more people hold ownership accountable.
“Owners decided to trade Luka Doncic. Not Nico Harrison. That’s an owner decision. They have to take responsibility.”
“The Dumonts and the Adelsons have every right to do what they want for their team, but they have to explain that to the people that are paying the ticket prices, so everyone has the information to decide whether to keep paying those tickets.”
Patrick Dumont is the team governor, the representative of the consortium who purchased a majority stake in the franchise from Mark Cuban.
Dumont has attempted to defend the decision to ship Doncic out of Dallas. Regardless, he has been targeted by condemnation too. A former NBA star slammed him for his influence on the Luka trade as he is considerably inexperienced yet in the business side of the NBA.
And just recently, former franchise Director of Quantitative Research and Development Bob Voulgaris didn’t also hold back in criticizing Dumont for orchestrating the biggest and most controversial trade in league history.
“The people who are critiquing him have no business. I’m sorry, those people have not accomplished anything. They’re not accomplished individuals. Who are they to be talking about what it takes to win?
“That’s the part I find really offensive. What have you done in your life? Yeah, okay, you’re in charge of the team, so you’re beholden like that.”
“You inherited a good roster, you inherited a generational superstar. Have a little bit more humility in knowing what it takes to win.
“Nico is in a tough position so I can empathize with him, but the owner. He married into money. If someone wants to talk about being fit, this guy does not look like he’s ever denied himself the luxury of an extra meal.”
As Harrison continues to shoulder the burden of responsibility for the departure of Doncic, it must be fair that Dumont should be held accountable as well.
