Dallas Mavericks: Fans demand Nico Harrison’s firing after catastrophic season start
Oct 6, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison looks on before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickie’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The euphoria over Cooper Flagg‘s draft lasted only one summer. After just two regular season games, the Dallas Mavericks are already facing fan backlash. A 33-point loss to San Antonio on Wednesday, followed by a 10-point defeat against the Washington Wizards on Friday, were enough to reignite fans’ anger toward general manager Nico Harrison.
« Fire Nico » chants echo again in the American Airlines Center
The infamous « Fire Nico » chants resonated in the final minutes of the Washington loss, in an already largely emptied arena. These displays of discontent had become commonplace after the shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers last February, and Cooper Flagg‘s arrival clearly hasn’t eased tensions.
Coach Jason Kidd tried to calm things down after the game: « I think they have the right to express their frustration, but we need to be patient. This is a different team, a new team. We’re just learning to understand each other. We’ll continue to learn from one another. So I would say be patient, but I understand the frustration. »
Disappointing performances despite Flagg’s arrival
Cooper Flagg, just 18 years old and starting at point guard despite his wing profile at Duke, is experiencing unfamiliar territory with these two consecutive losses. The 2024 draft phenomenon recorded 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists against Washington, but the Mavericks have the worst offense in the league with only 95.5 points per 100 possessions.
Anthony Davis, a key piece in the Doncic trade with his 27 points and 13 rebounds on Friday, remains philosophical: « This is adversity? We still have 80 games. If we win 10 straight games, then what happens? We know we need to be better on both ends of the floor, but an NBA season is a roller coaster. We have to stay positive. »
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is shining in a Lakers jersey with 49 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists in the victory against Minnesota, further fueling Texas fans’ regrets. According to ESPN, no discussions have taken place regarding a contract extension for Harrison, who still has two years remaining on his current deal.
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