Dallas Mavericks: Donnie Nelson deserved more votes for Executive of the Year

Dallas Mavericks: Donnie Nelson earned more votes for Executive of the Year

The Dallas Mavericks have completed one of the most difficult transitions in the NBA. They had a two-decade run of success with Dirk Nowitzki leading the charge. The Mavs GOAT had them in the playoffs 15 of 16 years. Dallas’ future looked bleak as Nowitzki headed into his twilight. Until Donnie Nelson stepped up and made two massive trades that have set the Mavericks up for another two-decade run of success.

Most teams do not jump from one superstar to the next. Look at the Lakers, Kobe Bryant retired in 2016, and they just made it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2013 this year. LeBron did not come to Los Angeles until 2018. The Mavs had Dirk and Luka Doncic on the same roster in 2019.

Nelson’s trades for Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis set the team up for long-term success. He locked up a strong cast of role players last offseason that helped Dallas return to the postseason. It was incredible work by Nelson, owner Mark Cuban, and the rest of the Mavericks decision-makers.

Dallas Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson finishes 8th in Executive of the Year voting

The voting for Executive of the Year was announced on Oct. 8. Clippers GM Lawrence Frank took home the honors for securing Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson finished eighth in the voting but received just four votes.

Nelson did not deserve to win the award, but he should have earned more. He traded two first-round picks for the best young superstar in the NBA after two teams passed on him. Nelson headed up the Mavericks stealing Porzingis from the Knicks. The additions of Seth Curry, Boban Marjanovic, and Delon Wright helped the Mavs jump back into the playoffs. There were plenty of deserving candidates, but give me Nelson over both Masai Ujiri and Zack Kleiman in the 2020 voting.

The Dallas Mavericks will be looking to take the next step towards title contention in 2021. Reaching that goal will take a few more moves from Donnie Nelson. Fans should be excited to see what the Mavs front office comes up with this offseason. Do not miss it.