Dallas Mavericks: Nico Harrison could be the perfect hire

The Dallas Mavericks searched for a new top executive for the first time since 2005. Donnie Nelson spent 24 years with the franchise before departing  on July 16. The following day head coach Rick Carlisle resigned in a whirlwind week for the Mavs.

Dallas’ reshaped front office became clearer on Thursday evening. According to Marc Stein, they are working to bring in Nico Harrison as the team’s new president of basketball operations. The Mavericks also tabbed Jason Kidd as their next head coach. Michael Finley is expected to remain with the team and Dirk Nowitzki will have a role in the front office.

Fans may be familiar with Nico Harrison. He was a college basketball standout at Montana State, who played seven professional seasons in Europe before joining Nike in 2002. Harrison worked his way up to Vice President of basketball in the company and is part of the Montana State Hall of Fame. Here is a closer look at why Harrison could be the perfect hire for the Mavericks.

Nico Harrison could be the perfect hire for the Dallas Mavericks

Harrison received many strong endorsements on Twitter after the news broke of him joining the Mavericks front office. David Aldridge had this to say.

Marc J. Spears had something similar to offer about Harrison.

Current NBA player Jared Dudley was impressed by the Mavericks move and took to Twitter to share his feelings.

Harrison did not just work with Kobe Bryant. He has strong ties across the league. Harrison worked with Luka in his transition from Nike to Jordan Brand in 2019. His previous relationship with the Mavericks’ current superstar is massive.

Harrison has long known Mark Cuban, Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Finley, and Jason Kidd too. The five men now make up the key figures of the Mavs’ newly constructed leadership. The owner will hold the final judgment, but each has a say in the decisions.

The Mavericks want to put star talent around Luka Doncic. Harrison could be a key figure in recruiting those players. His connections are deep. Nick DePaula offered five traits that he thinks will make him successful in Dallas.

The Warriors, Lakers, and Knicks all had success hiring agents to be their top decision-makers in recent years. Bob Myers led Golden State to three NBA championships. Rob Pelinka won a title with Los Angeles in 2020. The Knicks were back in the playoffs in their first full season with Leon Rose in charge. Owner Mark Cuban used that blueprint to sign Nico Harrison. The former Nike VP is well connected with players and has outstanding negotiating skills.

The one blemish on Harrison’s resume is being part of the meeting that led Stephen Curry away from Nike. That was back in 2013, and Harrison has achieved plenty of victories since that moment.

Nico Harrison could be the perfect hire for the Dallas Mavericks. He lacks experience as an NBA executive but has been around the game his entire life. Will he be able to use his contacts to help bring star players to Dallas? Does Harrison help build a championship roster? Early signs point to it being a fantastic hire. Time will tell how it works out, so stay tuned.