Gary Payton Defends Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison

Former NBA star Gary Payton has defended Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. Payton, 56, is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Payton is known as the father of Gary Payton II, who currently plays for the Golden State Warriors, but Payton’s recent comments regarding Harrison, 52, have attracted attention to himself. Read on for the latest on the hot-button topic.

Gary Payton Defends Nico Harrison

Unlike most other people, Gary Payton used his platform to defend Nico Harrison. Harrison has been heavily criticized by the Dallas Mavericks’ fanbase for trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, but Payton spoke up for Harrison and Jason Kidd in a recent appearance on the “Club 520” podcast.

Payton said on the podcast, “I feel for my boy Jason Kidd as a head coach; I feel for my boy Nico, my rep at Nike, like a little brother to me. I feel for him because of what he took,” said Payton of Harrison.”

Payton added, “He’s the president/general manager; he can’t make the calls alone. All you fans messing with him, get out of here like that. It wasn’t his call; it wasn’t his decision. He made a decision on what he was told to do or what had to be done. I’m happy for him. What’s going to happen? Get all the guys to get healthy. If their whole team gets healthy, Dallas is gonna be a beast.”

Gary Payton Supports Nico Harrison

Although Gary Payton’s support for Harrison might be rooted in a personal connection, Payton’s sentiment is understandable, even though Dallas Mavericks fans might disagree with Payton. Harrison and the Mavericks traded arguably one of the best players in franchise and league history, and Mavericks fans might still be recovering from a de facto attachment disorder.

Final Thoughts

The Dallas Mavericks suddenly traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. But, at the end of the day, the NBA is a business, so Mavericks fans are unlikely to convince Doncic, 26, to return to Dallas. Harrison believes defense wins championships, and the Mavericks can improve their defense.

The Mavericks took a step in the right direction. The Mavericks won the No. 1 draft pick at the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery. The Mavericks’ chances just got better, as the Mavericks can select Duke star Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg, 18, is known for his versatility, defensive instincts, and offensive game.

It’s too early to tell if Flagg will succeed in Dallas. However, Flagg could fit in the Mavericks’ potential starting lineup alongside Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Dereck Lively II, and Anthony Davis. Flagg could also fit in an open point guard position, like if Spencer Dinwiddie leaves the Mavericks to retire or play overseas.