Charles Barkley offered some unsolicited advice to Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison after Harrison’s end-of-season press conference on Monday.
Barkley had some words for Harrison on “Inside the NBA” Monday to try to help the Mavericks GM with his ongoing PR nightmare. Barkley looked straight into the camera and referred to Harrison as a friend, but said the Mavs GM needs to stop with the public comments about Luka Doncic and the aftermath of the trade.
“Listen, man. I consider you a friend of mine, Nico Harrison. I wish you nothing but the best,” Barkley said. “I thought you did a good job last year with the Mavs, and obviously whatever happened this year didn’t work out. Man, don’t do no more press conferences.
“I don’t even know what you’re doing. I really don’t. I 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 that team gets healthy, but man, don’t do anymore interviews. Please don’t.”
"I consider you a friend of mine… don't do any more press conferences. I don't even know what you're doing. I really don't. … This war is over, brother. You taking the L."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 21, 2025
Charles Barkley's message to Mavs GM Nico Harrison.pic.twitter.com/vUlLOlthNY
Harrison is somewhat obligated to speak to the media at the end of the team’s season, which is what he did Monday. However, Barkley is correct that Harrison seems to make things worse for himself every time he opens his mouth. On Monday, he was outright asked why he felt he shouldn’t be fired. In his previous media availability, the Mavericks insisted that it take place with a hand-picked pool of reporters who were not allowed to record video or audio. Whether Harrison is the one making those calls or not, they just serve to make him look bad.
Harrison’s reputation with Mavericks fans is probably irreparable over the Doncic trade. The continued explanations only lead to more criticism and backlash. On the other hand, he would also be criticized for ducking the media when he does not talk. He is in a no-win situation here, but Barkley is right that Harrison keeping his mouth shut would probably cause the least amount of damage moving forward.
