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The Dallas Mavericks' recent implosion stands in stark contrast to their trajectory just months earlier.
The Dallas Mavericks find themselves in unprecedented turmoil just nine games into the 2025-26 NBA season. With a dismal 2-7 record and the worst offensive efficiency in history of NBA, questions about general manager Nico Harrison's future have become the most pressing topic around the league.
A concerning collapse
The Dallas Mavericks' recent implosion stands in stark contrast to their trajectory just months earlier. The franchise had reached the NBA Finals in 2024 under Harrison's leadership, establishing themselves as strong contenders in the Western Conference. However, Dallas now sits at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, struggling to find any consistency on either end of the court.
The controversial trade that changed everything
Nico Harrison's decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February sparked immediate and sustained backlash from fans. In return, the Mavericks acquired Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and limited draft compensation. While the trade was intended to address the team's defensive shortcomings, the results have been bad for Dallas.
The comparison between the two franchises' current trajectories tells the story. Doncic is thriving with the Lakers, averaging 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game, while the Mavericks have struggled mightily even with Davis in the lineup. More concerning for Harrison's standing, the Mavericks have won none of their games when Davis has been unavailable due to injury, highlighting the fragility of the roster construction.
Insider speculations
NBA insiders directly addressed the job security question, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Harrison's position while confirming that it has become a league-wide topic of conversation. The frequency with which this question appears in conversations around NBA circles suggests a growing industry consensus that change may be coming to the Mavericks front office.
However, contradictory reports suggest that some within the organization maintain confidence in Harrison's ability to navigate the crisis. This internal confidence appears at odds with external perception, creating a complex situation where the GM operates under the scrutiny of both fans and league observers.
What's next?
As the Mavericks prepare for the remainder of the season, Harrison faces an impossible task of rebuilding credibility while fielding the league's least efficient offense. The return of Kyrie Irving from injury may provide temporary relief, but fundamental questions about roster construction and strategic planning remain unresolved. Whether Harrison survives this crisis depends on how quickly the Mavericks can stabilize their performance and demonstrate that the moves made over the offseason have a logical foundation.
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