The firing of Nico Harrison has become one of the most talked-about moves in the NBA. After a string of disappointing results, the Dallas Mavericks decided to end his four-year tenure. The decision came after a home loss and a rough 3-8 start to the season.
For Carmelo Anthony, the move might actually be a relief. “Do I think Nico Harrison is upset? No, I think this takes a weight off his shoulders… I think he now has the opportunity to be with his family. He has the chance to live life because it was stressful,” Anthony said on NBA on NBC. The Knicks legend emphasized that the former general manager can finally focus on his personal life after months of intense pressure.
The fall of an ambitious project
According to Essentiallysports, since the controversial Luka Doncic trade, Harrison had been the target of fierce criticism. Fans chanted for his firing at every game, and the tension inside the organization became unbearable. “Imagine going to work every day and people telling you to get fired. It was better for both sides to part ways,” Anthony noted.
“This signals a reset in Dallas”
The NBA Showtime crew discusses the firing of Mavericks GM Nico Harrison and where the franchise goes from here. pic.twitter.com/gkkIO2kE7V— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) November 12, 2025
Despite the turmoil, Melo believes Dallas’s problems go far beyond the front office. Injuries to key players like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis have significantly affected the team’s performance. “A healthy Kyrie next to AD and Cooper Flagg is not bad at all,” he said. However, Davis has struggled with fitness issues, and Kyrie is still recovering from a serious knee injury.
Anthony also issued a warning to league executives: “The moves you make are just as important as what happens on the basketball court.” He stressed that timing and alignment with the organization’s vision are crucial for any general manager’s survival.
Although Harrison’s tenure ended earlier than he expected, his departure might open a more stable chapter for the Mavericks. The team’s future will depend on whether the new leadership can calm the storm and maximize the potential of its young core.
