Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison continues to face backlash for his bold roster moves. A former LeBron James teammate recently shared an unpopular opinion about Harrison, 52, on ESPN’s “Get Up.” Carlos Boozer, who played with James, now 40, on the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003 to 2004, praised Harrison for the team he built. Read on for Boozer’s opinion and much more.
Former Lebron James Teammate Shares Opinion on Nico Harrison
The Dallas Mavericks fanbase isn’t crazy about Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. However, Carlos Boozer, a two-time NBA All-Star in 2007 and 2008, backed Harrison in a recent appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up.” Boozer, 43, said, “They have great pieces on that team. Nico did a good job of putting a really good team together for now. So, for next year, they are going to be a contender if they’re healthy.”
Harrison’s bold move of trading Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis didn’t go as planned. Davis, 32, suffered a left adductor strain in his Mavericks debut on February 8, took an 18-game absence, and returned on March 24 to score 12 points (6-9 from the field) and 3 assists in 27 minutes. Davis’ return helped the short-handed Mavericks beat the Brooklyn Nets, 120-101, at the Barclays Center on Monday.
Former Lebron James Teammate Makes a Point
Carlos Boozer made a point in his recent statement regarding Nico Harrison. Boozer’s statement echoed the sentiments of most NBA analysts at the time of the trade — that Harrison made the right choice, especially with Luka Doncic’s questionable fitness and conditioning. Harrison likely received more backlash due to the increased injury bug to the Mavericks.
It’s important to note that the Mavericks’ full potential likely wasn’t going to show this season. The Mavericks already suffered a slow start, along with injuries, illnesses, and inconsistencies, before the Doncic trade. The Mavericks might be forced to rebuild, but with limited assets and a potential lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and attempt to replicate Kyrie Irving’s production. Irving, 33, might miss some of next season with a torn ACL.
Final Thoughts
Nico Harrison and the Dallas Mavericks aren’t perfect. All Harrison and the Mavericks can do is rest and relax to recover from the injuries, rebuild their team chemistry, and regain their overall momentum. The Mavericks can be competitive — and prove their worth — next season if they have a healthy core, as a namesake core could increase their chances of winning.
Anthony Davis returned back into the Mavericks lineup on Monday. After Monday’s game, Davis clarified the Mavericks’ intentions this season. Davis confirmed, “I’m not the one to throw in the towel and sit down. I felt good enough to play. We got goals in mind. Even though we are undermanned, not 100% healthy. Guys are coming back, Live and Gaff, I want to make sure I have rhythm if we are able to get in the play-in.”
