For many people, a team’s success solely depends on the players and the coaching staff. Well, there is no lie in this fact. However, the mayhem that goes on behind the closed doors in those front offices is worth studying in detail. And to be fair, the executives, as we know them as the General Managers, play the biggest roles in building a team. But like most Dallas natives and NBA fans, the voting panel for the 2024-25 Executive of the Year didn’t feel that Nico Harrison fills the criteria.

Well, the Dallas Mavericks GM surely failed to read the fans’ hearts when he traded Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis earlier in February 2025. He said he knew that Doncic was important to the fanbase, but didn’t know the extent. Anyway, the results of the 2024-25 EOY are finally out for the world. Now, the question is: Has Nico Harrison made it to the Top 15?

Grant Afseth reported: “Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison did not receive any votes for NBA Executive of the Year.” Meanwhile, Harrison’s old ally, Rob Pelinka, finished 6th with 11 points. Interestingly, that one Doncic trade turned into a boon for one and a bane for another. On one hand, where Harrison missed out on making the cut, Pelinka positioned himself at sixth. Meanwhile, the OKC Thunder boss, Sam Presti, has been announced as the Executive of the Year. Honestly, not surprising at all.

Now, these results have the fans joining hands. Are they celebrating for Presti? Or is this something to do with Harrison’s EOY fate this season? Some fans debate on how accurate this final list is, because the overall impact Nico Harrison has had on the league this season is unreal; destruction or construction, no matter what. And well, maybe, just maybe, he deserved to be on the list along with Pelinka.

Amidst Sam Presti’s EOY accolade, Nico Harrison and Rob Pelinka have gotten the NBA world talking

“@NicoHarrisonGM was robbed! Executive of the Year doesn’t have to mean the *best* executive of the year. It takes a lot of effort to completely destroy a franchise. No other exec made as big of an impact,” someone commented on X. This fan may have joked about Nico receiving the award for wrecking the Mavs. Bold trades, bad timing, and Luka’s exit tanked momentum. Yet, the chaos was unforgettable. So, technically, huge impact. Wrong direction? Sure. But hey—impact’s still impact!

Meanwhile, someone asked, “How the hell does Rob Pelinka does not win this unanimously?” Well, this comment may or may not be sarcastic. Pelinka, with that Luka Doncic trade, has Los Angeles dreaming big again. Surely, that early playoff exit is an eyesore, and Anthony Davis’ demand for a five seems more valid than ever. However, the GM is willing to go to any extent to help LeBron James pursue his dream next season.

Another fan commented, “Disrespecting my goat.” The ‘goat’ in conversation is Nico Harrison, of course. Given the impact the 52-year-old had on the league, on the fans, especially in Dallas, he deserved some recognition. But then, you’d say that Harrison has already been recognized a lot and for the oddest reasons!

Someone asked, “What moves did thunder make at the deadline this yr? Genuine question.” Sam Presti made offseason moves ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. He brought in Isaiah Hartenstein from the Knicks, traded Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso, and did everything he could to add depth to the roster. And well, the results are before our eyes. The youngest squad of the league is leading the Western Conference and is a potential champion this season.

Lastly, someone added a GIF for the EOY list. And well, this is just a reaction to Nico Harrison not making it to the list:

Sam Presti’s got the trophy. Pelinka’s got Luka. And Harrison? He’s got the whole NBA talking. No votes, no problem—his chaos broke charts, not records. Fans laughed, cried, and meme’d through it all. So maybe he lost the award… but won the internet. And that counts too, right?