Dallas Mavericks fans may be one step closer to getting their wish.
Mavericks reporter Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal reported this week on who could potentially replace unpopular Mavericks GM Nico Harrison if the team ultimately decides to move on from him. Afseth mentioned a “logical” replacement option for Harrison who is already in-house — Dallas assistant GM Matt Riccardi.
The report by Afseth notes that Riccardi, who first joined the organization in 2022 and was promoted to assistant GM in 2023, has been a “consistent” presence within the Mavs with frequent involvement in day-to-day operations. Riccardi, a Dallas native, is also known for his strong relationship with current Mavs star Kyrie Irving, as has been documented in the past.
Meanwhile, Harrison, who has been the lead executive of the team since 2021, is perhaps the single most hated man in Dallas right now. As the architect of February’s notorious and extremely unpopular Luka Doncic trade, Harrison will likely never be able to gain back the support of the Mavericks fanbase. Even months later, they continue to loudly chant for his firing at every opportunity (including some who have done so right to Harrison’s face).
For a while after the trade, it looked like Harrison still had the unequivocal backing of Mavericks governor and co-owner Patrick Dumont. But earlier this week, Dumont had Harrison do a closed-door media session (in which no cameras or recording devices were allowed) and reportedly made the call against Harrison’s wishes.
Granted, it is ultimately unclear whether the Mavericks are actually considering firing Harrison at this point. But doing so might be the only way for the franchise to even begin rebuilding any semblance of trust with the local Dallas fanbase that they have so badly alienated.
