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Nico Harrison

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Nico Harrison
Dallas Mavericks
PositionPresident of basketball operations/
General manager
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born (1972-12-28) December 28, 1972 (age 52)
Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Career information
High schoolTigard (Tigard, Oregon)
College
NBA draft1996: undrafted
Playing career1996–2001
PositionForward
Career history
1996–1997Leuven Bears
1997–1998Black Hills Posse
1998–2000Hitachi Honsha Rising Sun
Career highlights
As player:

Nico Tyrone Harrison (born December 28, 1972) is an American professional basketball executive who is the president of basketball operations and general manager of the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

After playing college basketball for the Army Black Knights and Montana State Bobcats, Harrison played professionally in Belgium, Japan, the International Basketball Association, and Lebanon for five years.

In 2002, Harrison began a 19-year career at Nike, Inc., rising to Nike's Vice President of North American basketball operations. In 2021, Harrison was appointed as the general manager and president of basketball operations for the Dallas Mavericks, succeeding Donnie Nelson. On the night of February 1–2, 2025, he and Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka executed the Luka Dončić–Anthony Davis trade, one of the most controversial trades in NBA history.[1][2]

Early life

[edit]

Harrison was born on December 28, 1972 in Seattle, Washington. He is the son of Steve and Christie Harrison (née Martinez), and was the fourth of their five children. Harrison's parents divorced when he was five years old, and he split time between Spokane, Washington, and Tigard, Oregon, while growing up. As a child, Harrison played both American football and basketball, before shifting his focus solely to basketball in ninth grade. Harrison attended Tigard High School after determining it would be his best opportunity to earn a college basketball scholarship.[3]

College career

[edit]

Harrison struggled with injuries during his junior and senior seasons in high school, and West Point was the only school that continued to recruit him.[citation needed] In his freshman year of college in 1991, Harrison averaged 9.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game for the Black Knights. He was selected to the Patriot League All-Freshman team in 1992.[3][4]

After one year at West Point, Harrison transferred to Montana State University.[5] Due to NCAA transfer rules, Harrison was required to sit out of the 1992-93 NCAA season.[5] In three seasons with the Bobcats between 1993 and 1996, Harrison averaged 12 points, 2.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game.[4] In his senior year in 1996, Harrison averaged 13.7 points per game and helped lead the Bobcats to the NCAA tournament, where they were eliminated in the first round by Syracuse 88-55.[6] Harrison was selected to the first team All-Big Sky Conference in each of his three years with the Bobcats.[5] Harrison graduated with a degree in biological and medical sciences and was a two-time Arthur Ashe Jr. Scholar-Athlete award winner.[7][5][3] In 2015, Harrison was inducted into the Montana State Bobcats Hall of Fame.[5]

Professional basketball career

[edit]

Harrison went undrafted by the NBA after graduating from Montana State. He first played professionally for the Leuven Bears in Belgium in the 1996-97 season. Harrison played for the Black Hills Posse of the International Basketball Association (IBA) during the 1997–98 season where he averaged 8.9 points and 3.2 rebounds in 21 minutes.[8] He then played two years for the Hitachi Honsha Rising Sun in Japan from 1998 until 2000. His final year playing basketball was in Lebanon with a team in Beirut.[3]

Nike

[edit]

Following the end of his playing career, Harrison moved back to Oregon, where he took up a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative.[9] In 2002, a friend informed him of an open position at Nike as a regional field representative for the NBA.[3] Harrison applied and was hired, moving to Dallas, Texas, where the job was based. As part of the role, Harrison represented players such as Michael Finley, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, and Jermaine O'Neal.[9] In 2003, Harrison was promoted to a national marketing role with Nike, where he worked with prominent basketball stars like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.[10] Harrison was eventually promoted to the role of Vice President of North American basketball operations, where he worked until 2021.[9] Over his 19 years at Nike, Harrison became known for his trustworthiness and ability to develop personal connections, making him a popular figure with NBA players.[11]

During his work at Nike, he botched a 2013 presentation to Stephen Curry, where according to Harrison he may have called him Seth, and the presentation used was made for Kevin Durant. This, along with not offering Curry a signature shoe, caused the superstar to switch from Nike and sign with Under Armour.[11]

Dallas Mavericks

[edit]

On June 28, 2021, Harrison was appointed as the general manager and president of basketball operations for the Dallas Mavericks, succeeding Donnie Nelson. This appointment coincided with the hiring of Jason Kidd as the head coach.[12][13]

During Harrison's first three seasons as GM, the Mavericks reached the conference finals twice and the NBA Finals in 2024. In June 2024 after reaching the NBA Finals, the Mavericks gave Harrison a multi-year contract extension.[14]

Luka Dončić trade

[edit]

Together with longtime friend Rob Pelinka, Harrison engineered the February 2025 trade of Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, considered by many as one of the most shocking trades in the history of the NBA.[15][1][16][17][18][19]

The trade received overwhelmingly negative reactions from Mavericks fans and the media, especially given that the Mavericks had just made the NBA Finals the previous season with a team built around Dončić.[20][21][2][22] Public response to the trade included death threats directed at Harrison, as well as "Fire Nico" chants, fan-made merchandise, and social media remarks for months after.[23][24][25][26] The Mavericks organization subsequently ejected from the arena those chanting, holding up signs, and wearing shirts of "Fire Nico", leading to increased protest.[27][28][29] These chants were also heard at unrelated sports games, a St. Patrick's Day parade, and a Medieval Times dinner show.[30][31] Additionally, fans and businesses installed billboards and murals calling for Harrison's firing.[32][33][34] The continued public disapproval led to many calling Harrison "the most hated man in Dallas".[35][36][37][38]

Harrison defended his decision, stating "defense wins championships" and adding that Anthony Davis exemplified the culture the Mavericks front office was trying to create.[39] Davis subsequently reaggravated an abdominal injury during his first game with the Mavericks which kept him out for a significant period.[40] Similarly, Harrison's mismanagement and training staff decisions were also criticized as a cause of the disproportionate load management in the wake of the absence of Dončić on the court, leading to the season-ending injuries of Mavericks starters Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford.[41][42][43]

Harrison also responded, "I did know that Luka was important to the fan base. I didn't quite know it to what level.", drawing criticism from Charles Barkley and other commentators.[38]

After the Dončić trade, the Mavericks would end their season in the play in against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Mavericks would unexpectedly get the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft with a less than a 2% chance of getting the pick.[44] Harrison would end up using the first overall pick to select Cooper Flagg, amidst continued chants of "Fire Nico".[45][46][47]

Personal life

[edit]

Harrison has four siblings, three older and one younger: Joe, Elizabeth, Shivaun, and Brandon. Harrison has been married to Darlise Harrison, a producer for ABC News and BET since 2008.[48] They have two daughters.[3]

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

College

[edit]
* Led Big Sky Conference
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1991–92 Army 25 23 27.7 .434 .444 .556 3.4 1.4 1.2 .6 9.7
1993–94 Montana State 26 24.9 .624 .000 .778 4.0 1.3 1.3 .6 10.6
1994–95 Montana State 29 29 27.4 .613 .231 .624 4.4 2.7 1.8 .3 11.8
1995–96 Montana State 30* 30* 31.7 .577 .343 .732 4.2 3.1 1.2 .6 13.7
Career[49] 110 82 28.0 .560 .328 .676 4.0 2.2 1.4 .5 11.6

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Mannix, Chris (February 2, 2025). "Luka Doncic Trade to Lakers is Most Shocking in NBA History". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
  2. ^ a b de Lune, Claire (February 2, 2025). "The Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade is shocking, franchise-altering and bizarre". The Guardian. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Townsend, Brad (September 27, 2021). "No more mystery: Inside Nico Harrison's circuitous journey to becoming Mavericks GM". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Nico Harrison College Stats". Sports Reference. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Hall of Fame - Montana State University Athletics". Montana State University. Retrieved February 3, 2025.
  6. ^ "A Quarter-Century Later, Danny Sprinkle is Again Poised to Lead Montana State into a Big Sky Championship Game". Montana State University Bobcats. Retrieved February 3, 2025.
  7. ^ @thesteinline (June 28, 2021). "Register" (Tweet). Retrieved September 28, 2021 – via Twitter.
  8. ^ "Nico Harrison minor league basketball statistics". Stats Crew. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  9. ^ a b c Spears, Marc (January 5, 2022). "Nico Harrison on the Mavs' general manager job, life at Nike, Kobe Bryant, Luka Doncic, and more". Andscape. Retrieved February 3, 2025.
  10. ^ "Nico Harrison Introduced as Dallas Mavericks General Manager". Dallas Mavericks. June 28, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  11. ^ a b Benson, Pat (August 6, 2022). "The True Story Behind Nike's Failed Meeting with Stephen Curry". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  12. ^ "Mavericks officially hire Jason Kidd as coach, Nico Harrison as GM". NBA.com. Associated Press. June 28, 2021. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  13. ^ Afseth, Grant (June 28, 2021). "New Dallas Mavs GM Nico Harrison Speaks: 'Iconic Franchise' Ready for 'Next Level'". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  14. ^ Molski, Max (June 4, 2024). "Mavericks extend GM Nico Harrison ahead of NBA Finals". NBC DFW. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  15. ^ Shelburne, Ramona, and McMahon, Tim (February 3, 2025). "'Unfathomable'" How this stunning Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade came together". ESPN. Retrieved February 4, 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. ^ Peebles, Maurice (February 3, 2025). "'The Most Shocking Trade in NBA History': Reactions to Luka Doncic Joining the Lakers". BET. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
  17. ^ Baer, Jack (February 4, 2025). "Lakers trade Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic in one of the most shocking deals in NBA history". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved February 3, 2025.
  18. ^ Reiter, Bill (February 2, 2025). "Luka Doncic trade: What factors led to Lakers and Mavericks making the most shocking deal in NBA history?". CBS Sports. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
  19. ^ Abbruzzese, Jason (February 3, 2025). "'Crazy': NBA stars and pundits shocked by Luka Doncic trade". NBC. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
  20. ^ Wimbish, Jasmyn (February 2, 2025). "Why Mavericks' Luka Doncic trade is malpractice, no matter how GM Nico Harrison tries to explain it". CBS Sports. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  21. ^ McKeone, Liam (February 2, 2025). "GM Nico Harrison Had Simple Message to Mavs Fans Frustrated Over Luka Doncic Trade". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  22. ^ "Mavs' Nico Harrison provides update on stunning Luka Doncic trade". Dallas Morning News. February 2, 2025. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  23. ^ "Mavericks GM Nico Harrison receiving death threats in aftermath of Luka Doncic trade, per report". CBSSports.com. February 8, 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  24. ^ Baer, Jack (February 8, 2025). "Mavericks reportedly beef up security after death threats against GM Nico Harrison in wake of Luka Dončić trade". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  25. ^ "Mavs try to tune out 'Fire Nico!' chant in Luka return". ESPN.com. April 10, 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  26. ^ "Nico Harrison Used A Very Odd Word to Describe Mavs Fans Chanting 'Fire Nico' at Games". SI. April 21, 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  27. ^ "Mavs fans protesting Luka Doncic trade ejected for mouthing off, holding signs and wearing shirts with 'Fire Nico'". Los Angeles Times. February 11, 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  28. ^ Burns, Ahraya (February 11, 2025). "Multiple Mavericks fans ejected after mouthing, holding 'Fire Nico' sign during OT loss to Kings". NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  29. ^ "Why is 'Fire Nico' a violation of NBA code of conduct? Here's what the Mavs said". wfaa.com. February 11, 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  30. ^ Desales, Justin (March 18, 2025). "From Courtside To The Parade: 'Fire Nico' Chants Become The New Normal". Dallas Express. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
  31. ^ DeLatte, Tracy (March 11, 2025). "Mavs fans chant "Fire Nico" during Medieval Times dinner". Fox 4. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
  32. ^ Staff, T. M. Z. (April 9, 2025). "Dallas Mavericks Fans Buy Billboard Calling for GM Nico Harrison's Firing". TMZ. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  33. ^ "'Fire Nico' mural goes up in Dallas before Luka's return". wfaa.com. April 8, 2025. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  34. ^ "'Fire Nico' protest becomes mural ahead of Luka Doncic's return". Dallas News. April 9, 2025. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  35. ^ "'Most Hated Man in Dallas History' -- Mavs GM Nico Harrison Catches Fan Fury After Luka Dončić Addresses Heartbreaking Lakers Trade". April 18, 2025. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  36. ^ Reags. "The Most Hated Man In Dallas: SMU Student Section Started A 'Fire Nico' Chant Right In Nico Harrison's Face". www.barstoolsports.com. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  37. ^ "NBA analyst claims nothing can save Mavs GM Nico Harrison's reputation this season". The Big Lead. April 17, 2025. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  38. ^ a b Panerio, Jonas (April 22, 2025). ""Don't do no more press conferences. I don't even know what you're doing" - Charles Barkley urges Nico Harrison to stop talking to media". Basketball Network - Your daily dose of basketball. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  39. ^ MacMahon, Tim (February 2, 2025). "Harrison: Davis a key part to Mavericks' 'vision,' 'culture'". ESPN. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  40. ^ Chiari, Mike (February 12, 2025). "Report: Mavs' Anthony Davis Avoided Surgery on Injury, Will Miss 'Significant Period'". Bleacher Report. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
  41. ^ "Mavericks' Dysfunction Reportedly Contributed to Injury Issues This Season". SI. April 21, 2025. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  42. ^ "Nico Harrison set Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks up to fail; Injuries simply got them there faster | Sporting News". www.sportingnews.com. March 4, 2025. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  43. ^ Acedera, Shane Garry (March 5, 2025). "Kevin O'Connor blames Nico Harrison for Kyrie Irving's injury: "This is an opportunity to gain the trust and respect of Mavs fans"". Basketball Network - Your daily dose of basketball. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  44. ^ "Mavericks win NBA draft lottery with 1.8% odds". ESPN.com. May 12, 2025. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
  45. ^ sport, Guardian (June 26, 2025). "NBA draft: Cooper Flagg goes to Dallas Mavericks as No 1 overall pick". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
  46. ^ "Mavericks Fans Still Doubt Nico Harrison Despite Cooper Flagg Selection". Newsweek. June 25, 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  47. ^ Henderson, Cydney. "Mavericks fans start 'Fire Nico' chant at NBA draft party before Cooper Flagg pick". USA TODAY. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  48. ^ Cotton, Parker (September 28, 2021). "Former Montana State player Nico Harrison settles in as new General Manager of Dallas Mavericks". Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  49. ^ "Nico Harrison College Stats". College Basketball at Sports Reference. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
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