Harrison admits he misjudged Dončić’s recognition with followers earlier than Lakers commerce | Luka Dončić

Dallas Mavericks common supervisor Nico Harrison says he miscalculated the depth of affection his membership’s followers had for Luka Dončić earlier than the controversial commerce that despatched the star to the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, regardless of the persistent calls from followers for Harrison to be fired within the months for the reason that deal, he nonetheless believes it was the correct transfer for constructing a championship contender in Dallas.

“I did know that Luka was necessary to the fanbase,” Harrison mentioned on Monday. “I didn’t fairly realize it to what degree.”

Harrison mentioned he had anticipated blowback from the commerce, however thought it will have eased sooner if Anthony Davis, who the Lakers despatched to the Mavs in return for Dončić, had been ready play with Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington and Dereck Energetic II. As a substitute, these 5 haven’t performed collectively but, and the star combo of Davis and Irving shared fewer than three quarters collectively due to accidents to each gamers.

“We really feel that’s a championship-caliber workforce and we’d have been successful at a excessive degree and that will have quieted among the outrage,” Harrison mentioned. “And so sadly we weren’t ready to do this, so it simply continued to go on and on.

Harrison mentioned he believed the Mavs will get participant within the first spherical of this 12 months’s draft, the place they’re slated to select eleventh. He additionally didn’t rule out modifications in free company. However when requested what Dallas wanted to turn into a contender once more, Harrison mentioned, “Actually, we simply must get wholesome. I feel the workforce we’re bringing again is a championship caliber. We absolutely count on to have Kyrie again with us subsequent 12 months when he will get healed from his harm. And we consider we’ll be competing for a championship.”

Harrison mentioned repeatedly final week that “protection wins championships” whereas defending the commerce. Dončić, who has been criticized for his protection regardless of main the Mavs to the NBA finals final season, described these feedback as “unhappy”.

Harrison, who mentioned he hasn’t spoken to the five-time All-NBA for the reason that commerce, was requested about that trade and mentioned, “I really feel the identical manner he does. I’ve really by no means spoken sick of Luka, and I’m simply prepared to maneuver on with this workforce that we have now.”