Stephen A. Smith and the controversy behind Nico Harrison dismissal
According to the veteran analyst, the limited performance of the Los Angeles Lakers star has had a decisive impact on the Texas team’s results.
“Davis cannot be an ordinary player; he has to be spectacular,” he stated, pointing out that if the star performed at his highest level, the Mavericks would not be in their current difficult position.
Stephen A. Smith comments about Anthony Davis go beyond on-court performance. They also highlight the pressure this places on the front office and coaching staff.
Smith emphasized that the injury limiting Davis playing time has been a determining factor. And that the team would have achieved better results if their star had been available and performing at the expected level.
.@stephenasmith reacts to the Dallas Mavericks moving on from Nico Harrison 😳 pic.twitter.com/8dZ3rOvmUn
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 11, 2025
The weight of expectations and the comparison with Luka Doncic
Stephen A. Smith also highlighted the comparison with Luka Doncic, whose season has been outstanding. Averaging 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game.
In contrast, Davis averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in his first five games. With the Mavericks before getting injured.
According to Smith, this difference reflects the impact Davis’s performance has on the team’s ability to compete.
Additionally, Stephen A. Smith emphasized that Davis’s absence affects not only the numbers but also the team’s internal dynamics and confidence.
The expectations for a player of his caliber are extremely high, and his ability to influence wins and losses is direct.
For this reason, Smith considers that Davis’s performance may have been one of the factors that triggered Harrison’s departure.
