Former Dallas Mavericks' director of quantitative research Bob Voulgaris spoke on the Dumb Zone podcast about Patrick Dumont's comments. Dumont recently threw shade at Luka Doncic's work ethic when trying to justify the trade away from the Dallas Mavericks. Voulgaris noted that Dumont was in no position to make those comments as he had no role in NBA success for the Mavericks or any other team.
"The people who were critiquing him had no business. Those people have not accomplished anything. Who are they to be talking about what it takes to win? That's the part that I found really offensive... You inherited a pretty good roster, generational superstars. Have a little bit more humility in knowing what it takes to win. Nico is in a tough position so I can empathize with him."
"But the owner, this guy is like the definition of... He married into money. This guy does not look like he's ever denied himself the luxury of an extra meal. So for him to talk about what it takes to win and to reference Shaq as the ultimate example is just so tone-deaf. Obviously, you managed to marry into this amazing family that has a lot of money. Great, congratulations."
"What have you managed to accomplish other than going to school? People go to school... I don't have a lot of sympathy for people who are so adamant. Just have a little grace... 'We're new to this. We'll do better. We trust the fans. We really want to bring something better.' But they really don't care enough about Dallas, they're not from Dallas, and they're not Dallas people. It's a real estate play for them."
Voulgaris was with the team from 2018 to 2019, meaning that he got to witness the arrival and first few years of Luka Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks. So he understands not just how important Luka was to the team, but what he meant to the entire city of Dallas, which is why he is so outraged about the team's decision to trade Luka Doncic.
Patrick Dumont has been subjected to a lot of boos and jeers from Mavericks fans during home games at the American Airlines Center. However, he seemed to be wilfully oblivious as to why the fans were responding to him that way. Their ire, however, wasn't just directed at Dumont.
Mark Cuban got into a verbal argument with some fans in attendance, even telling them to shut up and sit down during their loss to the Sacramento Kings. Two fans were ejected from the arena for their 'Fire Nico' sign. There seems to be a disconnect between the upper management of the Mavericks and their franchise's fanbase.
However, one person who is part of the Mavericks' has shown some sympathy towards the fanbase.
Klay Thompson spoke after last night's game against the Warriors and noted that he understands why the fans are so frustrated after the trade for Luka Doncic, while still maintaining that the players on the roster are concerned with making the most of the situation.
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