Apr 5, 2019; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) argues a call in the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images / Matthew

One thing’s for sure about Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, he doesn’t care about having goodwill on his side. Harrison has only continued to dig a deeper and deeper hole since playing a big role in the franchise trading star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

That hasn’t stopped Harrison from doubling down on the deal and criticizing Doncic. Harrison spoke with the media publicly for the first time since the deal on Tuesday, preventing reporters in attendance from recording video or taking audio from the conference.

May 15, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks oguard Luka Doncic (right) with former player Dirk Nowitzki against the Phoenix Suns in game seven of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesDespite the limitations, Harrison’s tone-deaf comments were some of the highlights (lowlights?) of the appearance. He tried to make it clear that he’s operating in the best interest of the franchise but decided to take an unwarranted shot at Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki in the process.

“My obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks, it’s what’s the best interest of the Dallas Mavericks, and that’s the most important thing,” Harrison said according to DLLS Mavs’ Tim Cato. “Some of those decisions are going to be unpopular maybe to Dirk and maybe to the fans, but my obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks.”

Seriously, what are we doing?

Harrison went on to say that a reason why he didn’t consult Nowitzki prior to the Doncic deal is because the 2011 NBA Finals MVP isn’t around the team every day. His comments seem pretty ironic considering that Nowitzki returned to the Mavericks as a special advisor in 2021 to assist the franchise with hiring a general manager, head coach, and other front-office decisions.

Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesDays later, Dallas brought in Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd.

“You can’t look for advice from people who aren’t In the building because they’re going to understand what the team Is going through day In and day out,” Harrison said according to CBS News Texas’s Johnny Resendiz.

So, not only has Harrison alienated himself from the fanbase but now he’s taking digs at the most recognizable superstar in the history of the franchise.

After all, Nowitzki only helped deliver the Mavericks’ only NBA Championship while becoming one of the top players the game has ever seen. Plus, maybe even more notably, Nowitzki also came to the league after beginning his career overseas and understands what Doncic was going through.

The two developed a friendship and even played together during Nowitzki’s final season in 2018-19. Undeterred, Nowitzki has shared his disappointment surrounding the trade and even made his way to Los Angeles to support Doncic in his debut with the Lakers.

Dallas doesn’t need to create a scapegoat for the disaster, Harrison seems more than willing to take the bullet himself.