DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison finished fifth in this year's NBA Executive of the Year voting. This recognition highlights his effective management and strategic roster moves to improve the team's long-term playoff chances.
Harrison is focused on building a team around MVP candidate Luka Doncic and his superstar backcourt partner Kyrie Irving, noting the importance of roster alignment for sustained success. There is. Looking to the future, he acquired Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington, both 25 years old, on lucrative contracts.
“It wasn't about winning at this point,” Harrison told ESPN. “It was just about continuing to build it. Every step is like how do we keep getting better? And we're not built for now, but for the next three playoffs. It is made for.”
January 3, 2024. Dallas, Texas, USA.Portland Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin (left) and Dallas
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
These midseason moves greatly increased the team's competitiveness and set them up as a strong contender for the postseason. The team also benefited from the contributions of draft pick Derek Lively II and free agents Derrick Jones Jr. and Dante Exum, who played pivotal roles this season.
In addition to roster changes, the Mavericks will strengthen their coaching leadership, with Mavericks coach Jason Kidd in a good position to sign a contract extension this summer. “J did a great job,” Harrison said.
“Honestly, I think he's the best manager to lead this team. When you have two star players like we do, if you close your eyes and pick who you like, there's no better manager. You won't find it.”
However, the Mavericks enter Game 5 against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday with a series tie of 2 wins and 2 losses, so it remains to be seen whether such a strong losing streak will materialize in the playoffs this season.
