Nico Harrison was aware of the incessant backlash that would come his way when he chose to pull off one of the most outrageous trades in NBA history. Sending Luka Doncic away drew the ire of fans. The American Airlines Center became a location for protests and heated fans. Furthermore, the general manager reportedly got death threats. But one thing to commend about Harrison was his bravery.

As ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne recently revealed, “that man stood up there and owned it”. Nico Harrison defended his actions, citing the betterment of the team. The reaction from the fans, though, might have gone overboard. It’s one thing to attack Harrison. However, even his family has been dragged into the mess as per Shelburne.

“It’s very uncomfortable for him right now and his family. You know I don’t condone anybody making threats against people’s families no matter how unpopular a decision is, that’s not right,” Shelburne shared on The Jim Jackson Show. The insider used a Game of Thrones analogy to explain it better. “It’s like in the Game of Thrones, remember one of the opening scenes it’s like if you decide you’re gonna if you’re gonna send someone to death you swing the sword yourself don’t make somebody else do it,” said Shelburne.

Either ways you see it, death threats are not condoned to anybody. Nico Harrison has been subject to regular slander from the fans. Even when the Mavericks GM went to watch an NCAA game, fans battered him with “Fico Nico” chants. And although he has accepted, his family shouldn’t be in the firing line. As per multiple reports, Harrison has had to hire full-time security at his house as a result of these threats.

No matter what trade he might have pulled off, nobody should have to face such extreme consequences for the same.

The Dallas Mavericks are regaining some fan support

The outrage from fans isn’t surprising at all. Luka Doncic was a beloved sports figure in Dallas and largely seen as a player who would always wear the Mavs jersey. To add more gasoline to the fire, Anthony Davis’ injury didn’t help the proceedings. But the players themselves are doing their all to win back the fans’ support.

Kyrie Irving said it best. Understanding what the Slovenian meant to the community, he suggests giving the fans time to heal. “I think it’s graduated from just like hate to anger, the cycle of emotions. The hate, the anger, the grieving, and then the passion… I think it’s just part of the process of what we’re all dealing with, as not just fans but as players, as coaches, as an organization,” KAI said about the reaction. 

But with that, he has also taken the responsibility of showing out and reinstilling belief in the Mavericks nation.

The glimmer of hope came in the overtime loss to the Kings. Although the result wasn’t in their favor and multiple fan ejections took place, the arena grew loud as Irving and the Mavs battled. Since then, Irving dropped 42 to vanquish the Warriors. And tonight, even without him, the shorthanded Mavericks took down the Miami Heat.

Such inspiring performances have brought life back into the American Airlines Center. Although the stance against Nico Harrison may not change soon, the team is showing encouraging signs about their competitive ability post the trade. When Anthony Davis and their other centers do return, the Mavericks have a threatening side.

Kyrie Irving is unleashed and Davis’ debut showed what the tandem is capable of.