
via Imago
Credit: Imagn Images

via Imago
Credit: Imagn Images
What was supposed to be Andre Iguodala’s night ended up being more about Rob Pelinka and Nico Harrison. And honestly, it wasn’t surprising, especially after the season’s most shocking trade had the entire NBA community buzzing. But this wasn’t a friendly reunion. Far from it, actually. The way it played out on social media, it was clear that the wounds were quite fresh. To make matters more interesting, they were spotted sitting in the same courtside stand, but not together. That’s something a Dallas reporter tried hard to do.
When the discussion sparked on The Hoop Collective, Tim MacMahon explained how hard he tried to have them sit side by side for the entire ceremony, but ultimately couldn’t make that happen. “I tell you how hard I tried to get the sitting arrangement redone,” he stated. “I was trying really hard to get them to put Pelinka and Nico just side by side for the entire ceremony. I was unsuccessful full my lobbying efforts, but let me tell you, I tried. I tried hard.”
The Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade cornered the Mavericks in the NBA community. Suddenly, everyone seemed to turn their back on them. Nico Harrison ended up taking all the heat; the criticism grew intense for the Mavs GM. Fast-forward to yesterday, when the duo greeted each other. Nico’s smile faded, and he quickly turned back to his seat to avoid any drama that might follow.
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via Imago
Feb 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on from the court against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Nico’s presence was understandable since his team was playing the Warriors at the Chase Center. But if you’re wondering about Pelinka, Brian Windhorst clarified on the podcast that Pelinka used to be Iguodala’s agent for years. So, with Golden State getting his No. 9 jersey retired, it makes sense why Pelinka was there.
But sitting together would have definitely added some spice to the situation. Social media already took full advantage of their greeting, but if MacMahon had succeeded in getting them to sit together, the internet would’ve gone wild. But what will Nico Harrison do when the Lakers and Mavs face off?
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Speculation surrounding Nico Harrison’s plans in the absence of team owner
After everything that went down with the trade, things could get chaotic for Nico. As MacMahon put it, “Mavs’ stands are given, they’re on his neck. He was in the stands today. Will he be in the stands Tuesday at the building formerly known as Staples Center? Oh, if he is, I know somebody who’s going to find him early and often, repeatedly speaking some Slovenian to him, looking right at him.”
But Nico can’t afford to miss it. Tim Bontemps pointed out, “It’s gonna be pretty weak if he’s not in the stands for the game.” Being there to support his team on the road is crucial, especially since the owner won’t be accompanying them. MacMahon highlighted, “You know who will not be, who originally planned to be unless he changes his plans again—Patrick Dumont, the man who likes to police vacation time.”
However, Bontemps felt both were different. “Well, listen, the owner of the team not being at a road game is fine, Nico Harrison should be at that game,” he added. That was his point, unless, of course, Nico has a luxury suite, in which case he could avoid being in the stands. The three of them then shared a laugh, joking about it.
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Now, whether Nico Harrison shows up at the Crypto.com Arena and takes his place in the stands or doesn’t play it safe remains to be seen on Tuesday. Until then, the wait is going to feel pretty painful.
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Top Comment by Barbara
There are two schools of thought. Pelinka and Harrison continue to meet in person so that no one can...more
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