Mavericks: Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd on Bob Voulgaris and his role

The Dallas Mavericks made massive leadership changes this offseason. Owner Mark Cuban remains at the top of the power structure, but the names and faces under him changed. General manager Donnie Nelson was fired after 24 years with the franchise, and head coach Rick Carlisle resigned just one day later. Two of the Mavericks’ top decision-makers were gone. In the days leading up to their departures, The Athletic released a scathing report about internal tensions in the front office (subscription required). Haralabos “Bob” Voulgaris was mentioned as a “shadow GM” in the piece.

The Mavericks quickly moved on. They signed former Nike executive Nico Harrison to be their general manager and president of basketball operations. Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd is taking over as head coach. Dallas brought back Dirk Nowitzki in a special advisor role. There are plenty of questions about Voulgaris’ role moving forward, though.

Harrison and Kidd addressed that in separate radio interviews on July 16. Let us take a closer look at their reactions and what it could mean for the Dallas Mavericks moving forward.

More. 5 ways it could be different for Jason Kidd in Dallas

Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd on Bob Voulgaris and his role with the Mavericks

Harrison was asked about Voulgaris’ role with the team moving forward. See his response below, courtesy of Brad Townsend.

Mavs GM Nico Harrison says on @1053thefan that he hasn't met Bob Voulgaris, and that he "honestly doesn't know" if Voulgaris will be part of basketball ops going forward. Says he'll sit down with Voulgaris and figure that out.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) July 16, 2021

Fans can listen to Harrison’s full response here.

The new general manager and president of basketball operations did say that Michael Finley “is going to end up being my right-hand man”.

Kidd also did not rule out Voulgaris being part of the Mavs next season. See his thoughts from an interview on 96.7 The Ticket, courtesy of Brad Townsend.

On @dfwticket, Jason Kidd doesn't dismiss the possibility that Bob Voulgaris might be part of basketball ops going forward. Kidd describes analytics as an important tool for lineup decisions -- not a bottom-line tool, but an important one to consider when deciding lineups.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) July 16, 2021

If the reports in The Athletic are true, the Dallas Mavericks need to get rid of Bob Voulgaris. He does not get along with Luka Doncic and has created front office turmoil before. The Mavs need to clean the slate and move on with Harrison and Kidd joining Mark Cuban, Michael Finley, Keith Grant, and Dirk Nowitzki in making the important decisions. They do not need Voulgaris creating more tension as they attempt to leap into the championship picture.

There is plenty more to come on the Dallas Mavericks this offseason. Keep it locked to The Smoking Cuban for daily updates and analysis on the team.

Next. 5 areas where Luka Doncic can still improve

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