BREAKING: Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has called on fans to “move forward,” just one day after the dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison. This urgent appeal comes amidst a backdrop of intense frustration from fans who have vocally protested Harrison’s management decisions, particularly a shocking trade that sent homegrown superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this season.
During recent games at the American Airlines Center, chants of “Fire Nico!” have echoed through the arena, often disrupting critical moments of play. These fan outbursts reached a peak during a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, notably while Mavericks players were at the free-throw line. Kidd expressed his concern, stating, “It was a little disrespectful. The guys are playing hard, and they’re trying to win.”
Kidd’s comments came prior to Wednesday’s home match against the Phoenix Suns. He acknowledged the fans’ frustrations but insisted that the team needs to focus on the future. “They got their point across as fans, but we have to move forward,” Kidd emphasized, recognizing the “healing process” fans must undergo.
The discontent with Harrison’s leadership has reportedly led to an environment where players felt they faced a home-court disadvantage. Mavericks forward P.J. Washington revealed, “The people weren’t really cheering us on. Hopefully, that changes.” Washington experienced the negative atmosphere firsthand, as chants erupted when he was at the free-throw line with just 7:07 left in the fourth quarter, during a crucial moment when the Mavs were clinging to a one-possession lead.
The atmosphere grew even more intense when Washington was fouled on a three-point attempt with just 1.2 seconds remaining, leading to a critical moment where he missed the second of two free throws. Despite the distractions, Washington has chosen not to blame the fans, stating, “Hopefully, everybody starts cheering now, and they’ll be quiet during free throws.”
As the Mavericks grapple with the fallout from Harrison’s firing, the focus remains on how the team can rally together and regain support from their fans. The upcoming game against the Suns will be crucial for rebuilding that connection.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Mavericks look to turn the page and move forward from recent tumultuous events.