The debris of the trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers via one phone call by Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison continues to rain down, and suffice it to say that dust has certainly not settled. Will it ever settle? Judging by the current state of affairs surrounding the ongoing story, it’s unlikely. In speaking of this story, it continued its next chapter after it was revealed that Harrison held a private, closed-door press conference with Dallas local media members. It was an odd development, and because of it, Harrison again is in the bullseye of his many, many critics. This time, a former Mavericks player, Chandler Parsons, weighed in and was rather blunt in his criticisms levied at Harrison.
Nico Harrison Draws Ire of Past Mavericks Player
Former Dallas Mavericks star Chandler Parsons heavily criticizes Nico Harrison’s closed-door media session
Earlier this week on Tuesday, Harrison huddled privately with local media members, away from cameras so as not to be visually recorded, and the Luka trade was a central topic of discussion. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst speculates that Harrison did not want cameras present because he didn’t want his comments about not regretting the trade to be publicly out there permanently. Windhorst also reported on First Take that Harrison eventually allowed tape recorders in the room following stiff negotiations with some invited media members. Still, as a GM, Harrison’s reasoning doesn’t look good at all, as Windhorst also backed.
While Windhorst admitted to being baffled by Harrison’s press conference, he was not the only one. Parsons also shared his thoughts on FanDuel’s Run It Back podcast. He did not mince words when saying his piece on the matter.
“It’s completely cowardly what he did yesterday,” said Parsons. “The fact that he doesn’t allow microphones or cameras is the most shocking thing I think I’ve ever seen in the media and sports. This is ridiculous.
“You just want to feel that respect and that trust. And in this trade, in this deal, again, I understand where he was coming from, the way he got it done, had to be in secrecy, but this is just no class. This is bad business. You don’t handle it like this, especially Luka Doncic, who’s done everything for the city. He’s been there longer than you’ve been. This is just no respect. And I think it’s a bad play. And I think optics-wise, this whole sit-down yesterday, this little kumbaya meeting yesterday was weird.”
Things keep getting worse
The corner Harrison has backed into has to feel tighter the more days go by. Not to mention, the public image factor continues to take hits. It’s not a good scenario in Dallas right now, especially regarding the Mavericks organization. How this affects Harrison down the road is something only time will tell. As he stated earlier this week, Harrison plans on finishing his contract, which is for three more years. That said, it wouldn’t be shocking if his time comes up well before.
The Mavericks are set to play the Sacramento Kings in the second play-in match of the Western Conference on Wednesday night. The Kings are favored, and if they pull out the win at home, the Mavericks will go home. Not winning a single play-in game will make things even more tense. Meanwhile, Luka is resting up for his first playoff series as a member of the Lakers. For now, at least on the basketball court, one party is enjoying life after the trade. We won’t find out until next season where Dallas sits.
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The post Nico Harrison Draws Ire of Past Mavericks Player appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.