Could Nico Harrison be the worst general manager in NBA history?

Could Nico Harrison be the worst general manager in NBA history? Here are some of his worst trades, including the one involving Luka Dončić.

Harrison’s time as the Dallas Mavericks’ general manager has been marked by a series of poor choices that have had a significant negative influence on the team.

Nico Harrison’s term as General Manager of the Dallas Mavericks has been everything but easy sailing. Since taking over the role in 2021, Harrison has faced criticism for a series of actions that have left the Mavericks failing to compete at the highest level, especially considering the team’s previous success. A once-promising lineup centered around superstar Luka Dončić has started to show signs of weakness, and many supporters and observers are wondering if Harrison’s decisions have put the team’s future in jeopardy..

Although it’s early in his tenure, Nico Harrison’s track record thus far has been tainted by dubious moves that have changed the Mavericks’ trajectory, raising serious doubts about his ability to lead a team towards sustained success. Could he be the worst general manager in NBA history? That may sound like a bold claim, but his recent personnel decisions and trades have cast serious doubt on his ability to lead a team towards sustained success..

One of the most infamous decisions Harrison made was the trade for Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis, once considered a rising star in the league, was brought to Dallas in a high-profile trade with the New York Knicks in 2019. The move was intended to pair him with Dončić, forming a potential superstar duo for the Mavericks. However, injuries and inconsistent play limited Porzingis’ impact, leading to him being traded away in February 2022, well before the Mavericks had the chance to fully realize his potential next to Dončić.

This trade, which sent Porzingis to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertāns, was widely criticized. While Dinwiddie is a capable player, the trade didn’t improve the Mavericks’ roster in any meaningful way, and Bertāns’ contract became an albatross for the team. Porzingis, on the other hand, had a strong second half of the 2021-2022 season with the Wizards, making many wonder if the Mavericks gave up on him too soon.

Another controversial decision came when the Mavericks let Jalen Brunson walk in free agency during the summer of 2022. Brunson had been one of the most important players for Dallas, particularly during the 2022 playoffs, when he stepped up in the absence of an injured Dončić. His departure to the New York Knicks left a huge void in the Mavericks’ backcourt. Despite making significant strides as a player in Dallas, the team didn’t offer Brunson a contract that would keep him in town, a decision that many see as a huge oversight.

Brunson’s absence was glaring during the 2022-2023 season, and the Mavericks struggled with offensive consistency without him. The void left by Brunson’s departure added to the criticism of Harrison’s management, as it became clear that losing a key contributor like him hurt the team’s chances of competing in a stacked Western Conference.

One of the most talked-about trades under Harrison’s leadership, however, involved the Luka Dončić trade. The Mavericks had the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft and had the opportunity to select Dončić, who had just come off an MVP-caliber season in Europe with Real Madrid. Instead, the Mavericks traded up to the third spot, acquiring Dončić in exchange for the fifth pick and a future first-round pick.

While the trade is still widely viewed as one of the greatest in NBA history, it has become a topic of debate in Harrison’s tenure, especially given the Mavericks’ recent struggles to build a strong supporting cast around Dončić. Some critics argue that Harrison’s failure to make significant moves to surround Dončić with elite talent is as much of a blunder as any past misstep. In fact, many wonder if the Mavericks’ inability to add another star player to pair with Dončić will be the biggest stain on Harrison’s legacy.

In addition to these high-profile trades, Harrison has faced backlash for other personnel decisions that have failed to live up to expectations. The decision to trade for Tim Hardaway Jr. and sign him to a long-term deal has been criticized by some, as Hardaway’s inconsistent play and lack of defensive impact have often undermined his value to the team. Similarly, the Mavericks’ failure to develop younger players like Josh Green and Moses Brown has added to the growing list of Harrison’s missteps.

Moreover, Harrison’s management style and decision-making process have come under fire from the media and fans alike. There has been a sense of instability within the Mavericks’ front office, as it seems that Harrison has been unable to make the bold moves necessary to elevate the franchise to championship contention. While some may argue that his tenure is still in its early stages, the lack of clear direction and inability to make impactful trades has left many wondering if Harrison is the right person to guide the Mavericks going forward.

It’s important to note that Harrison’s tenure has not been without its successes. He has managed to keep Dončić happy in Dallas, and the young star remains the centerpiece of the franchise. However, the surrounding pieces have not been able to consistently perform at a high level, and the team has struggled to make a significant playoff run since Dončić’s arrival. The absence of key moves and roster improvements during Harrison’s time as GM has led to questions about his ability to build a championship-contending team around one of the league’s brightest stars.

Harrison is under more pressure than ever to make significant changes as the Mavericks continue to struggle in their pursuit of victory. Harrison’s failure to seize the unique chance to assemble a championship-contending squad under Dončić’s leadership may define his career if the Mavericks keep failing to meet their objectives. Harrison has a limited amount of time to make significant progress and demonstrate that he is the best candidate to lead the Mavericks to the next level. If not, he might end up becoming one of the most contentious general managers in NBA history.