No Dunks Podcast: What's Next For The Mavericks?
Date: November 12, 2025
Hosts: J.E. Skeets (J. Ske), Tas Melas, Trey Kirby, JD
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into the shocking firing of Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison just 11 games into the new NBA season, following last year's controversial Luka Doncic trade and the resulting fallout with Mavs fans. The crew discusses why the move happened now, what's next for the Mavericks organization, future trade possibilities (especially for Anthony Davis), and touches on the new NBA All-Star format, as well as key highlights from last night’s NBA action.
Key Segments
1. The Nico Harrison Firing: Why Now?
Timestamps: 03:00 - 15:00
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Context:
- Mavs owner Patrick Dumont fired GM Nico Harrison after a 3–8 start (ranked 29th in offense, a drastic dip from previous Luka-led years).
- Fallout from last spring’s blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers and brought Anthony Davis, Quentin Grimes, and picks to Dallas.
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Discussion Points:
- Fan Revolt:
- Fans and players dread home games; frequent “Fire Nico” chants; American Airlines Center sellout streak ended (started in 2001).
- Trey: "Fans hate their team. That's the main reason." [04:03]
- Reports of ticket/merch sales dropping, fans' relentless anger at front office.
- The Trade's Legacy:
- Dallas traded away a generational star; fanbase fiercely loyal to Luka.
- Tas: “There is a deep hatred. It's sewn into the fabric.” [04:58]
- J. Ske: “There should be. Because it's one of the dumbest trades of all time. Period.” [05:33]
- Owners underestimated the fan attachment to Luka and the repercussions.
- Business Factors:
- Speculation: Would even a championship have saved Nico’s job? Maybe two were needed to outweigh fan hatred.
- Tas: “Would there have been a level? I think two championships may have done it.” [06:32]
- Internal Drama:
- Harrison reportedly tried to rush Anthony Davis back from injury; owner Patrick Dumont blocked it. Potential “final straw.”
- Dumont’s public statement emphasized a “continued commitment” to fans, but little accountability for the trade itself.
- Fan Revolt:
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Notable Moment:
- Trey: “The fans hated them. They were never going to forgive them unless maybe they were 11 and 0, and winning multiple championships.” [07:20]
2. Ownership, Cuban, and Decision-Making Chaos
Timestamps: 10:12 - 15:11
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New Owner Syndrome:
- Patrick Dumont and new ownership group initially too hands-off, trusting Harrison.
- Mark Cuban was to stay as “basketball guy” but was ultimately sidelined.
- Debate over Cuban’s responsibility in selling to real estate-focused group, not “basketball people.”
- Tas: “They completely underestimated how fiercely loyal the fan base is with the Dallas Mavericks.” [12:50]
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Nico Harrison’s Mindset:
- Believed Luka’s work ethic wasn't worth the max deal; doubled down on the gamble that defense and new assets would win titles.
- J. Ske criticizes the lack of transparency: “If you're not going to pay Luka... open it up. Because there'd be 29 other franchises trying to give you a huge trade package.” [13:16]
3. What’s Next for the Mavericks?
Timestamps: 15:11 – 29:54
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Rebuilding Steps:
- Front Office Search:
- Names floated: Matt Riccardi (interim), Mark Cuban pushing for Dennis Lindsey, Bob Myers (unlikely). Need is for a seasoned, smart GM.
- Anthony Davis Trade:
- Trey: “The first personnel move they need to make is trading Anthony Davis.” [15:25]
- Earliest trade window is December 15th, but value is low due to injuries/age/contract.
- Should prioritize draft picks to replenish for future; 2026 pick still theirs—potential to bottom out/tank for top pick.
- Tas: “He’s got to come back and ball before the Mavs are saying anything is worthy of a trade package coming back. I think he has to boost that trade value.” [22:03]
- Discussed rumored trade packages: Kings (multiple picks), Hawks, Pistons, Clippers, Heat, Raptors—all options with long contracts or pick incentives.
- Front Office Search:
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Fan Healing Process:
- Trey: “Mavs fans now need to support their team. Like, this is our pick’em game tonight… They flexed their power. They got Nico Harrison out of there.” [26:52]
- Ownership and fans must rebuild trust—won’t be healed by one firing alone.
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Dirk Nowitzki Fallout:
- Tas: “They lost Dirk. Like, Dirk's not a Mavs fan anymore.” [30:03]
- Dirk now appearing at Lakers games; organization desperately needs to win back franchise icons and fanbase loyalty.
4. All-Star Game Format Changes
Timestamps: 35:43 – 46:24
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New Format Announced:
- USA vs. World teams, but selection process is confusing (“mini-games,” round-robin format, 12-minute quarters).
- Positionless rosters: fans vote for any five players regardless of position; coaches select reserves.
- Adam Silver empowered to add players to ensure 16 Americans, 8 internationals.
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Hosts' Mixed Reactions:
- J. Ske: “I can't believe how difficult they're making this. It's so dumb.” [37:55]
- Trey: “They better let my guy Lethal Shooter do something.” [46:30]
- General skepticism: unclear coaching selection, how teams will be balanced, and whether the new structure will actually improve the game’s competitiveness.
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Notable Quotes:
- Tas: “All they care about is going on Sunday at 5pm Eastern, turning on their NBC TV and they're getting all these casual fans for the Olympics and they want to see a good game.” [39:21]
5. NBA Game Highlights & Side Topics
Timestamps: 49:59–62:33
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Ja Morant’s Struggles:
- Has played poorly since Lakers game (shooting 28%, low aggression, bad turnovers, poor body language).
- Trey: “He's playing like he's a jump shooter...and he's just not a shooter. Ja Morant gets downhill and gets in the lane and that’s not happening.” [51:51]
- Memphis situation compared to last year’s Jimmy Butler/Miami scenario. Possible coaching changes ahead.
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Celtics vs. 76ers:
- Yet another nail-biter; shoutout to Tyrese Maxey, Justin Edwards’ huge fourth quarter, and Kelly Oubre’s game-winning tip-in.
- Celtics–Sixers rivalry: always close, physical games.
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Thunder Dominate Warriors:
- OKC led by 36, Warriors "looked very old"; internal Warriors tension with Draymond calling out “personal agendas.”
- Trey: “Warriors looked very old in that game against the Thunder. The torch has been passed but it feels like the light is fading.” [55:49]
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Ace Bailey’s Emergence for Jazz:
- Young Jazz player had 20 points, showing promise. Pacers’ defense continues to struggle.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On fan revolt in Dallas:
- "There's a deep hatred. It's sewn into the fabric." – Tas Melas [04:58]
- “There should be. Because it's one of the dumbest trades of all time. Period.” – J. Ske [05:33]
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On Nico Harrison’s trade:
- “You'll see. We'll win multiple championships by getting off a Luka and getting back AD and who else? Max Christie in a pick.” – J. Ske [13:17]
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On ownership mishaps:
- “A billionaire that’s actually a cheapskate. I’ve heard it all.” – J. Ske [33:10]
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On All-Star format:
- “I can’t believe how difficult they’re making this. It’s so dumb.” – J. Ske [37:55]
- “All they care about is...turning on their NBC TV...they want to see a good game.” – Tas Melas [39:21]
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On Warriors' decline:
- “Warriors looked very old in that game against the Thunder. The torch has been passed but it feels like the light is fading.” – Trey Kirby [55:49]
Final Takeaways
- The Mavericks face a long road to rebuild their reputation and roster after one of the most unpopular trades in NBA history.
- Anthony Davis is set to be the next likely domino (when healthy); Dallas needs youth and picks above all.
- Mavs fans and former icons like Dirk are still reeling from the Luka trade; organizational healing will take time and smart decisions.
- NBA’s All-Star format changes left the No Dunks crew confused and skeptical—concerned more with spectacle than actual competitive basketball.
- Ja Morant and the Warriors were identified as two of the biggest current on-court concerns amid a busy NBA week.
For a rich, silly, and passionate discussion on NBA headlines and Dallas dysfunction, this episode is essential listening for fans seeking deep analysis—and a few laughs—during a chaotic NBA season.