Nick Harrison’s job security a hot topic in the NBA

The Dallas Mavericks are off to one of their worst starts in franchise history, and the conversation around the NBA is turning to the man who made the roster. President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, Nico Harrisonfaces increasing questions about the security of his job as The Mavericks sit at the bottom Western Conference to follow Dallas lost 118-104 for the Memphis Grizzlies.

On his Greetings partners podcast, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said he did the “absolutely legitimate question” is whether Harrison can keep his job as the Mavericks try to keep a season that is quickly slipping away. “When you talk to people about the Mavericks around the league, that’s the first question people ask,” McMahon said.

Harrison received a multi-year contract in June 2024 just as the Mavericks reached the NBA Finals. That success now seems distant as Dallas has stumbled to a 2-7 start while fielding the league’s worst offense with a 103.2 offensive rating. Despite ranking sixth in defense, the Mavericks can’t score consistently, creating pressure that quickly shifted to the front office.

Nico Harrison remained controversial with Mavericks fans

Harrison’s controversial decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers last season only fueled criticism. He made the deal Anthony Davis and other pieces to Dallas in a move designed to improve the team’s size and defense. Instead, injuries to Davis and Kyrie Irving have crippled the offense, while Doncic thrives in Los Angeles.

Team governor Patrick Dumont reportedly remains supportive of Harrison, but even that confidence could be tested if the Mavericks continue to struggle. Dallas fans have been vocal about their frustration since the trade, and with the team losing ground early, the buzz surrounding Harrison’s future has reached a fever pitch.

For Harrison, the way forward depends on the results. If Dallas can rediscover its rhythm when Irving returns and becomes a rookie Cooper Flagg continues to develop, the pressure may decrease. But with the Mavericks’ season already underway, the clock on Harrison’s tenure seems to be ticking louder with each loss.