Mavericks’ Rick Welts makes surprise admission about Luka Doncic trade
The Mavericks are still reeling from the Luka Doncic trade, and their CEO has all but admitted it.
In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Rick Welts unpacked the wild last few months that resulted in a behind-closed-doors deal that brought 31-year-old oft-injured star Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Doncic, resulting in an astonished and revolted fan base.
“I thought I’d seen everything in my 47 years in the NBA, but clearly this was different,” Welts said. “I think a lot of people of good intent tried to do the right thing.”
The deal was mostly spearheaded by general manager Nico Harrison, although ESPN’s Tim MacMahon added that he did not act alone, though there were some in the organization who disagreed with the decision.
“I probably underestimated the reaction. I think we’ve done the best we can, basically, with the staff and trying to do the right thing with everybody who touches the Mavericks.”
“It’s incredibly emotional, an incredibly difficult time for so many people. But I still believe we’re going to come out on the other side with a future that’s incredibly bright. That’s kind of my glass-half-full approach there.”
Doncic led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, and fans have been furious with the team, standing outside of American Airlines to protest.
Others have kicked out of the arena for showing off “Fire Nico” signs.
From the Mavericks’ perspective, they moved off Doncic due to “team culture” and a “defense first” mentality that they could not institute with him as a leader.
They are eighth in the Western Conference with a 30-26 record.
Dallas did go into the All-Star break with a flourish as the only team to beat the Jimmy Butler-led Warriors in four games.
If they can withstand Davis’ absence (he will miss at least a few weeks with an abductor strain), Dallas poses a serious threat in the West.
The Mavericks are among the biggest teams in the NBA, which should translate to strong defense behind Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, in addition to Davis.
Doncic, who is still recovering slowly from a strained calf injury sustained on Christmas Day, has not looked like his normal self in two games with the Lakers.
He is averaging 15 points in just 23.5 minutes per game.
