An intriguing update has emerged on the recent controversial press conference held by the Dallas Mavericks.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, maligned architect of the Luka Doncic trade, hosted a “closed-door” meeting on Tuesday alongside Mavericks CEO Rick Welts. Dallas reportedly hand-picked local reporters to take part in a roundtable discussion, with reporters disallowed from using cameras or other recording devices. Harrison was, understandably, criticized heavily for what Mavericks fans and reporters considered a cowardly move.
Despite being at the center of the meeting, Harrison apparently “did not want” to hold the meeting at all. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the meeting was “enforced” by Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont.
“My understanding is that Nico Harrison did not want to do this closed-door roundtable,” said Charania on Wednesday’s episode of NBA Countdown. “This was not his idea. This was something that was enforced by their owner, Patrick Dumont.”
Since the blockbuster trade broke the internet in February, Dumont has been vocal in his support of Harrison. That reportedly has not changed yet, over two months later. But it seems quite telling when an NBA owner has to force his top executives to face the media against their will.
The public pressure from Mavs fans demanding Harrison’s head on a spike has been unrelenting. If the Mavericks get off to a slow start next season, it’s hard to imagine Dumont’s unwavering loyalty will last.
There’s already said to be a “logical” replacement for Harrison should Dumont ultimately decide to fire him.
