After attempting to explain – unconvincingly in many people’s eyes – the reasons for trading away all-star guard and fan favorite Luka Doncic earlier this season, Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison continues to take hits in the court of public opinion.
Even from some of his friends.
Harrison admitted in his April 21 end-of-season news conference, ‘I did know that Luka was important to the fan base. I didn’t quite know it to what level.’
That raised the ire of one Charles Barkley, who responded to Harrison’s comments later that evening on TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA.’
‘Listen man, I consider you a friend of mine … I wish you nothing but the best,’ Barkley said, turning to the camera and addressing Harrison directly. ‘Man, don’t do no more press conferences … I’ve got sympathy and love for you, but I have zero idea what you’re trying to do. This war is over, brother. You’ve taken the L.
‘I hope you keep your job. I hope the team gets healthy. But man, don’t do any more interviews. Please don’t.’
Harrison has acknowledged hearing chants of ‘Fire Nico’ ever since making the Feb. 2 trade that sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round draft pick.
‘(M)y job is to make decisions that are in the best interest of this organization and I got to stand by the decision,’ he said. ‘Some of them are going to be unpopular and this was clearly one that’s unpopular.’
The Mavericks had their season end with a 120-106 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Play-In Tournament. The Lakers, with Doncic playing a starring role, claimed the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and are currently facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.