{{Short description|American basketball executive (born 1972)}} {{pp-blp|small=yes}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}} {{Infobox basketball biography | name = Nico Harrison | image = | position = | team = | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 5 | league = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1972|12|28}} | birth_place = Seattle, Washington, U.S. | high_school = Tigard (Tigard, Oregon) | college = *Army (1991���1992) *Montana State (1993–1996) | draft_year = 1996 | career_start = 1996 | career_end = 2001 | career_position = Forward | years1 = 1996–1997 | team1 = ABB Leuven | years2 = 1997–1998 | team2 = Black Hills Posse | years3 = 1998–2000 | team3 = Hitachi Honsha Rising Sun| | highlights = '''As player:''' *3× First-team All-Big Sky (1994–1996) *Patriot League All-Freshman team (1992) }} '''Nico Tyrone Harrison''' (born December 28, 1972) is an American professional basketball executive and former player who was the president of basketball operations and general manager of the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 2021 to 2025.
In 2021, Harrison succeeded Donnie Nelson as the general manager and president of basketball operations for the Dallas Mavericks. On the night of February 1–2, 2025, Harrison and Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka executed the Luka Dončić–Anthony Davis trade, one of the most controversial trades in NBA history.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> The trade was met with overwhelmingly negative reactions from Mavericks fans and media.
Following the Mavericks' sluggish start to the 2025–26 season and continued negativity from the fan base,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-11 |title=Mavericks fire GM who traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nba/mavericks-fire-nico-harrison-luka-doncic-trade-rcna243231 |access-date=2025-11-11 |website=www.nbcnews.com |language=en}}</ref> Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont announced Harrison's departure from the organization on November 11, 2025.
Harrison has since been widely regarded as one of the worst general managers in recent NBA history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-12 |title=Nico Harrison’s Firing Cements His Place in NBA Hell |url=https://www.theringer.com/2025/11/12/nba/nico-harrison-fired-dallas-mavericks-luka-trade-legacy |access-date=2026-05-27 |website=www.theringer.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Prisbell |first=Eric |date=2025-11-11 |title=Does Nico Harrison belong on the Mount Rushmore of worst NBA GMs in recent history? |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2025/11/11/nico-harrison-nba-worst-gms-list-luka-doncic-trade/ |access-date=2026-05-27 |website=Dallas News |language=en}}</ref>
==Early life== Harrison was born on December 28, 1972 in Seattle, Washington. He is the son of Steve and Christie Harrison (née Martinez), and was the fourth of their five children. Harrison's parents divorced when he was five years old, and he split time between Spokane, Washington, and Tigard, Oregon, while growing up. As a child, Harrison played both American football and basketball, before shifting his focus solely to basketball in ninth grade. Harrison attended Tigard High School after determining it would be his best opportunity to earn a college basketball scholarship.<ref name="TheDallasMorningNews_Townsend2021">{{cite news |last=Townsend |first=Brad |date=2021-09-27 |title=No more mystery: Inside Nico Harrison's circuitous journey to becoming Mavericks GM |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2021/09/27/montana-middle-east-mavericks-nico-harrisons-previous-stops-prepared-him-to-be-gm/ |access-date=September 28, 2021 |work=The Dallas Morning News |publisher=}}</ref>
==College career== Harrison struggled with injuries during his junior and senior seasons in high school, and West Point was the only school that continued to recruit him.{{cn |date=March 2025}} In his freshman year of college in 1991, Harrison averaged 9.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game for the Black Knights. He was selected to the Patriot League All-Freshman team in 1992.<ref name="TheDallasMorningNews_Townsend2021" /><ref name="stats">{{cite web |title=Nico Harrison College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/nico-harrison-1.html |website=Sports Reference |access-date=February 2, 2025}}</ref>
After one year at West Point, Harrison transferred to Montana State University.<ref name="HOF">{{cite web |title=Hall of Fame - Montana State University Athletics |url=https://msubobcats.com/honors/hall-of-fame |website=Montana State University |access-date=February 3, 2025}}</ref> Due to NCAA transfer rules, Harrison was required to sit out of the 1992-93 NCAA season.<ref name="HOF" /> In three seasons with the Bobcats between 1993 and 1996, Harrison averaged 12 points, 2.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game.<ref name="stats" /> In his senior year in 1996, Harrison averaged 13.7 points per game and helped lead the Bobcats to the NCAA tournament, where they were eliminated in the first round by Syracuse 88-55.<ref name="Quarter">{{cite web |title=A Quarter-Century Later, Danny Sprinkle is Again Poised to Lead Montana State into a Big Sky Championship Game |url=https://msubobcats.com/news/2021/3/13/mens-basketball-a-quarter-century-later-danny-sprinkle-is-again-poised-to-lead-montana-state-into-a-big-sky-championship-game |website=Montana State University Bobcats |access-date=February 3, 2025}}</ref> Harrison was selected to the first team All-Big Sky Conference in each of his three years with the Bobcats.<ref name="HOF" /> Harrison graduated with a degree in biological and medical sciences and was a two-time Arthur Ashe Jr. Scholar-Athlete award winner.<ref>{{cite tweet|title=Register|url-access=limited|user=thesteinline|number=1409610282729558027 | url=https://twitter.com/thesteinline/status/1409610282729558027|access-date=September 28, 2021}}</ref><ref name="HOF" /><ref name="TheDallasMorningNews_Townsend2021" /> In 2015, Harrison was inducted into the Montana State Bobcats Hall of Fame.<ref name="HOF" />
==Professional basketball career==
Harrison went undrafted by the NBA after graduating from Montana State. He first played professionally for ABB Leuven in Belgium in the 1996-97 season. Harrison played for the Black Hills Posse of the International Basketball Association (IBA) during the 1997–98 season where he averaged 8.9 points and 3.2 rebounds in 21 minutes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nico Harrison minor league basketball statistics |url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbasketball/stats/p-harrinic001 |website=Stats Crew |access-date=February 2, 2025}}</ref> He then played two years for the Hitachi Honsha Rising Sun in Japan from 1998 until 2000. His final year playing basketball was in Lebanon with a team in Beirut.<ref name="TheDallasMorningNews_Townsend2021" />
==Nike== Following the end of his playing career, Harrison moved back to Oregon, where he took up a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative.<ref name="Andscape">{{cite news |last1=Spears |first1=Marc |title=Nico Harrison on the Mavs' general manager job, life at Nike, Kobe Bryant, Luka Doncic, and more |url=https://andscape.com/features/nico-harrison-on-the-mavs-general-manager-job-life-at-nike-kobe-bryant-luka-doncic-and-more/ |access-date=February 3, 2025 |publisher=Andscape |date=January 5, 2022}}</ref> In 2002, a friend informed him of an open position at Nike as a regional field representative for the NBA.<ref name="TheDallasMorningNews_Townsend2021" /> Harrison applied and was hired, moving to Dallas, Texas, where the job was based. As part of the role, Harrison represented players such as Michael Finley, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, and Jermaine O'Neal.<ref name="Andscape" /> In 2003, Harrison was promoted to a national marketing role with Nike, where he worked with prominent basketball stars like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 June 2021 |title=Nico Harrison Introduced as Dallas Mavericks General Manager |url=https://www.mavs.com/nico-harrison-press-release/ |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=Dallas Mavericks |language=en-US}}</ref> Harrison was eventually promoted to the role of vice president of North American basketball operations, where he worked until 2021.<ref name="Andscape" /> Over his 19 years at Nike, Harrison became known for his trustworthiness and ability to develop personal connections, making him a popular figure with NBA players.<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine |last=Benson |first=Pat |date=2022-08-06 |title=The True Story Behind Nike's Failed Meeting with Stephen Curry |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/sneakers/news/the-true-story-behind-nikes-failed-meeting-with-stephen-curry |access-date=2025-02-02 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-US}}</ref>
During his work at Nike, he botched a 2013 presentation to Stephen Curry, where according to Harrison he may have called him Seth, and the presentation used was made for Kevin Durant. This, along with not offering Curry a signature shoe, caused the budding superstar to switch from Nike and sign with Under Armour.<ref name=":0" />
==Executive career== On June 28, 2021, Harrison was appointed as the general manager and president of basketball operations for the Dallas Mavericks, succeeding Donnie Nelson. This appointment coincided with the hiring of Jason Kidd as the head coach.<ref name="NBA_2021">{{Cite web |date=2021-06-28 |title=Mavericks officially hire Jason Kidd as coach, Nico Harrison as GM |url=https://www.nba.com/news/mavericks-officially-hire-jason-kidd-as-coach-nico-harrison-as-gm |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=NBA.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref name="SportsIllustrated_Afseth2021">{{Cite magazine |last=Afseth |first=Grant |date=2021-06-28 |title=New Dallas Mavs GM Nico Harrison Speaks: 'Iconic Franchise' Ready for 'Next Level' |url=https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks/news/new-dallas-mavs-gm-nico-harrison-speaks-iconic-franchise-ready-next-level |access-date=2024-12-04 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-US}}</ref>
During Harrison's first three seasons as GM, the Mavericks reached the conference finals twice and the NBA Finals in 2024. In June 2024 after reaching the NBA Finals, the Mavericks gave Harrison a multi-year contract extension.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Molski |first1=Max |title=Mavericks extend GM Nico Harrison ahead of NBA Finals |url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/mavericks-gm-nico-harrison-contract-extension-nba-finals/3558548/ |access-date=2 February 2025 |work=NBC DFW |date=2024-06-04}}</ref>
=== Luka Dončić trade and firing === {{See also|Luka Dončić–Anthony Davis trade}} Together with longtime friend Rob Pelinka, Harrison engineered the February 2025 trade of Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, considered by many as one of the most shocking trades in the history of the NBA.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shelburne, Ramona |first1=and McMahon, Tim |title='Unfathomable'" How this stunning Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade came together |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43676830/how-stunning-luka-doncic-anthony-davis-trade-came-together-los-angeles-lakers-dallas-mavericks |access-date=February 4, 2025 |publisher=ESPN |date=February 3, 2025}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite news |last1=Mannix |first1=Chris |title=Luka Doncic Trade to Lakers is Most Shocking in NBA History |url=https://www.si.com/nba/luka-doncic-trade-lakers-mavericks-most-shocking-nba-history |access-date=February 4, 2025 |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=February 2, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Peebles |first1=Maurice |title='The Most Shocking Trade in NBA History': Reactions to Luka Doncic Joining the Lakers |url=https://www.bet.com/article/285z87/luka-trade-reactions |access-date=February 4, 2025 |publisher=BET |date=February 3, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Baer |first1=Jack |title=Lakers trade Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic in one of the most shocking deals in NBA history |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/lakers-trade-anthony-davis-for-luka-doncic-in-one-of-the-most-shocking-deals-in-nba-history-051920660.html |access-date=February 3, 2025 |publisher=Yahoo! Sports |date=February 4, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Reiter |first1=Bill |title=Luka Doncic trade: What factors led to Lakers and Mavericks making the most shocking deal in NBA history? |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/luka-doncic-trade-what-factors-led-to-lakers-and-mavericks-making-the-most-shocking-deal-in-nba-history/ |access-date=February 4, 2025 |work=CBS Sports |date=February 2, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Abbruzzese |first1=Jason |title='Crazy': NBA stars and pundits shocked by Luka Doncic trade |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nba/crazy-nba-stars-pundits-shocked-luka-doncic-trade-rcna190331 |access-date=February 4, 2025 |publisher=NBC |date=February 3, 2025}}</ref>
The trade received overwhelmingly negative reactions from Mavericks fans and the media, especially given that the Mavericks had just made the NBA Finals the previous season with a team built around Dončić.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wimbish |first1=Jasmyn |title=Why Mavericks' Luka Doncic trade is malpractice, no matter how GM Nico Harrison tries to explain it |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/why-mavericks-luka-doncic-trade-is-malpractice-no-matter-how-gm-nico-harrison-tries-to-explain-it/ |access-date=2 February 2025 |work=CBS Sports |date=2025-02-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=McKeone |first1=Liam |title=GM Nico Harrison Had Simple Message to Mavs Fans Frustrated Over Luka Doncic Trade |url=https://www.si.com/nba/gm-nico-harrison-simple-message-mavs-fans-frustrated-over-luka-doncic-trade |access-date=2 February 2025 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=2025-02-02}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite news |last1=de Lune |first1=Claire |title=The Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade is shocking, franchise-altering and bizarre |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/feb/02/anthony-davis-luka-doncic-trade-mavericks-lakers-nba-basketball |access-date=2 February 2025 |work=The Guardian |date=2025-02-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mavs' Nico Harrison provides update on stunning Luka Doncic trade |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2025/02/01/dallas-mavericks-luka-doncic-trade-lakers-anthony-davis-max-christie/ |access-date=2 February 2025 |work=Dallas Morning News |date=2025-02-02}}</ref> Public response to the trade included death threats directed at Harrison, as well as "Fire Nico" chants, fan-made merchandise, and social media remarks for months after.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-08 |title=Mavericks GM Nico Harrison receiving death threats in aftermath of Luka Doncic trade, per report |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/mavericks-gm-nico-harrison-receiving-death-threats-in-aftermath-of-luka-doncic-trade-per-report/ |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Baer |first=Jack |date=2025-02-08 |title=Mavericks reportedly beef up security after death threats against GM Nico Harrison in wake of Luka Dončić trade |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mavericks-reportedly-beef-up-security-after-death-threats-against-gm-nico-harrison-in-wake-of-luka-doncic-trade-002739733.html |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-10 |title=Mavs try to tune out 'Fire Nico!' chant in Luka return |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44610432/fire-nico-chants-abound-luka-doncic-dallas-return-mavericks-players-do-best-tune-out |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-21 |title=Nico Harrison Used A Very Odd Word to Describe Mavs Fans Chanting 'Fire Nico' at Games |url=https://www.si.com/nba/nico-harrison-used-very-odd-word-describe-mavs-fans-chanting-fire-nico |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=SI |language=en-US}}</ref> The Mavericks organization subsequently ejected from the arena those chanting, holding up signs, and wearing shirts of "Fire Nico", leading to increased protest.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-11 |title=Mavs fans protesting Luka Doncic trade ejected for mouthing off, holding signs and wearing shirts with 'Fire Nico' |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2025-02-11/luka-doncic-trade-mavericks-fans-ejected-nico-harrison |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Ahraya |date=2025-02-11 |title=Multiple Mavericks fans ejected after mouthing, holding 'Fire Nico' sign during OT loss to Kings |url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/dallas-mavericks/multiple-mavericks-fan-eject-game-fire-nico-harrison/3767935/ |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-11 |title=Why is 'Fire Nico' a violation of NBA code of conduct? Here's what the Mavs said |url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/dallas-mavericks-fans-fire-nico-harrison-signs-ejected-kicked-out-nba-policy/287-90c384bd-59b0-4af1-b6f3-189bf91820a2 |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=wfaa.com |language=en-US}}</ref> These chants were also heard at unrelated sports games, a St. Patrick's Day parade, and a Medieval Times dinner show.<ref name="delatte">{{cite news |last1=DeLatte |first1=Tracy |date=11 March 2025 |title=Mavs fans chant "Fire Nico" during Medieval Times dinner |url=https://www.fox4news.com/sports/mavs-fans-chant-fire-nico-during-medieval-times-dinner |access-date=22 March 2025 |agency=Fox 4}}</ref> Additionally, fans and businesses installed billboards and murals calling for Harrison's firing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=T. M. Z. |date=2025-04-09 |title=Dallas Mavericks Fans Buy Billboard Calling for GM Nico Harrison's Firing |url=https://www.tmz.com/2025/04/09/fire-nico-harrison-billboard-mavericks-lakers-game/ |access-date=2025-07-08 |website=TMZ |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-08 |title='Fire Nico' mural goes up in Dallas before Luka's return |url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/fire-nico-mural-goes-up-in-dallas-before-luka-doncic-return-as-laker/287-46feab6e-7cf2-437b-a219-9d77c6d55c16 |access-date=2025-07-08 |website=wfaa.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-09 |title='Fire Nico' protest becomes mural ahead of Luka Doncic's return |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/2025/04/09/fire-nico-protest-becomes-mural-ahead-of-luka-doncics-return/ |access-date=2025-07-08 |website=Dallas News |language=en}}</ref> The continued public disapproval led to many calling Harrison "the most hated man in Dallas".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-18 |title='Most Hated Man in Dallas History' -- Mavs GM Nico Harrison Catches Fan Fury After Luka Dončić Addresses Heartbreaking Lakers Trade |url=https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nba/nico-harrison-catches-fan-fury-after-luka-doncic-addresses-mavericks-lakers-trade/ |access-date=2025-07-08 |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reags |title=The Most Hated Man In Dallas: SMU Student Section Started A 'Fire Nico' Chant Right In Nico Harrison's Face |url=https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/3538429/the-most-hated-man-in-dallas-smu-student-section-started-a-fire-nico-chant-right-in-nico-harrisons-face |access-date=2025-07-08 |website=www.barstoolsports.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-17 |title=NBA analyst claims nothing can save Mavs GM Nico Harrison's reputation this season |url=https://www.thebiglead.com/nba-analyst-claims-nothing-save-mavs-gm-nico-harrison-reputation-this-season |access-date=2025-07-08 |website=The Big Lead |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Panerio |first=Jonas |date=2025-04-22 |title="Don't do no more press conferences. I don't even know what you're doing" - Charles Barkley urges Nico Harrison to stop talking to media |url=https://www.basketballnetwork.net/off-the-court/charles-barkley-urges-nico-harrison-to-stop-talking-to-media |access-date=2025-07-08 |website=Basketball Network |language=en}}</ref>
Harrison defended his decision, stating "defense wins championships" and adding that Anthony Davis exemplified the culture the Mavericks front office was trying to create.<ref>{{cite web|last=MacMahon|first=Tim|author-link=Tim MacMahon|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43668078/davis-key-part-mavericks-vision-culture|title=Harrison: Davis a key part to Mavericks' 'vision,' 'culture'|publisher=ESPN|date=February 2, 2025|accessdate=February 2, 2025}}</ref> Davis subsequently reaggravated an abdominal injury during his first game with the Mavericks which kept him out for a significant period.<ref>{{cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |date=February 12, 2025 |title=Report: Mavs' Anthony Davis Avoided Surgery on Injury, Will Miss 'Significant Period' |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25144658-report-mavs-anthony-davis-avoided-surgery-injury-will-miss-significant-period |accessdate=March 2, 2025 |publisher=Bleacher Report}}</ref> Similarly, Harrison's mismanagement and training staff decisions were also criticized as a cause of the disproportionate load management in the wake of the absence of Dončić on the court, leading to the season-ending injuries of Mavericks starters Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-21 |title=Mavericks' Dysfunction Reportedly Contributed to Injury Issues This Season |url=https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks-dysfunction-reportedly-contributed-injury-issues-anthony-davis-luka-doncic-trade |access-date=2025-07-08 |website=SI |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-04 |title=Nico Harrison set Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks up to fail; Injuries simply got them there faster {{!}} Sporting News |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/dallas-mavericks/news/nico-harrison-set-kyrie-irving-mavericks-fail-injuries-faster/5424938d82c03dbc237bfa41 |access-date=2025-07-08 |website=www.sportingnews.com |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Acedera |first=Shane Garry |date=2025-03-05 |title=Kevin O'Connor blames Nico Harrison for Kyrie Irving's injury: "This is an opportunity to gain the trust and respect of Mavs fans" |url=https://www.basketballnetwork.net/latest-news/kevin-oconnor-blames-nico-harrison-for-kyrie-irving-injury |access-date=2025-07-08 |website=Basketball Network |language=en}}</ref>
Harrison also responded, "I did know that Luka was important to the fan base. I didn't quite know it to what level." Harrison's ignorance of Dončić's success, ability, and popularity drew harsh criticism from the majority of fans, including Charles Barkley and other commentators.<ref name=":1" />
After the Dončić trade, the Mavericks would end their season in the play in against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Mavericks would unexpectedly get the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft with a less than a 2% chance of getting the pick.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-12 |title=Mavericks win NBA draft lottery with 1.8% odds |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45117355/mavericks-win-nba-draft-lottery-18-odds |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Harrison would end up using the first overall pick to select Cooper Flagg, amidst continued chants of "Fire Nico".<ref>{{Cite news |last=sport |first=Guardian |date=2025-06-26 |title=NBA draft: Cooper Flagg goes to Dallas Mavericks as No 1 overall pick |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/25/nba-draft-cooper-flagg-goes-to-dallas-mavericks-as-no-1-overall-pick |access-date=2025-06-28 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-25 |title=Mavericks Fans Still Doubt Nico Harrison Despite Cooper Flagg Selection |url=https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/mavericks-fans-erupt-fire-nico-harrison-chant-after-cooper-flagg-pick-2090855 |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Henderson |first=Cydney |title=Mavericks fans start 'Fire Nico' chant at NBA draft party before Cooper Flagg pick |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2025/06/25/mavericks-fans-fire-nico-chant-nba-draft-cooper-flagg/84361745007/ |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>
On November 11, 2025, Harrison was relieved of his duties with the Mavericks organization after a 3–8 start to the 2025–26 season.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-11-11 |title=Dallas Mavericks fire GM Nico Harrison nine months after Luka Dončić trade |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/nov/11/dallas-mavericks-fire-nico-harrison-luka-doncic-trade |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111212318/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/nov/11/dallas-mavericks-fire-nico-harrison-luka-doncic-trade |archive-date=2025-11-11 |access-date=2025-11-11 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In an open letter to Mavericks fans, team owner Patrick Dumont stressed that "this decision was critical to moving our franchise forward in a positive direction", alluding to the backlash directed towards Harrison and the team following the Dončić trade.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kalland |first=Robby |date=2025-11-11 |title=Read the letter Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont wrote fans about why he fired Nico Harrison |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/mavericks-owner-patrick-dumont-nico-harrison-fired-luka-doncic-trade/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111212036/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/mavericks-owner-patrick-dumont-nico-harrison-fired-luka-doncic-trade/ |archive-date=2025-11-11 |access-date=2025-11-11 |website=CBS Sports}}</ref>
==Personal life== Harrison has four siblings, three older and one younger: Joe, Elizabeth, Shivaun, and Brandon. Harrison has been married to Darlise Harrison, a producer for ABC News and BET since 2008.<ref name="Bozeman">{{cite news |last1=Cotton |first1=Parker |title=Former Montana State player Nico Harrison settles in as new General Manager of Dallas Mavericks |url=https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/sports/bobcats/mens-basketball/former-montana-state-player-nico-harrison-settles-in-as-new-general-manager-of-dallas-mavericks/article_ca1a333b-30d1-5a1a-9e15-ff177f25432e.html |access-date=27 February 2025 |publisher=Bozeman Daily Chronicle |date=September 28, 2021}}</ref> They have two daughters.<ref name="TheDallasMorningNews_Townsend2021" />
==Career statistics== {{NBA player statistics legend}}
===College=== {| class="wikitable" |- |style="background:#CFECEC; width:1em"|* |Led Big Sky Conference |}
{{NBA player statistics start}} |- | style="text-align:left;"|1991–92 | style="text-align:left;"|Army | 25 || 23 || 27.7 || .434 || '''.444''' || .556 || 3.4 || 1.4 || 1.2 || '''.6''' || 9.7 |- | style="text-align:left;"|1993–94 | style="text-align:left;"|Montana State | 26 || || 24.9 || '''.624''' || .000 || '''.778''' || 4.0 || 1.3 || 1.3 || '''.6''' || 10.6 |- | style="text-align:left;"|1994–95 | style="text-align:left;"|Montana State | 29 || 29 || 27.4 || .613 || .231 || .624 || '''4.4''' || 2.7 || '''1.8''' || .3 || 11.8 |- | style="text-align:left;"|1995–96 | style="text-align:left;"|Montana State | style="background:#CFECEC;"|'''30'''* || style="background:#CFECEC;"|'''30'''* || '''31.7''' || .577 || .343 || .732 || 4.2 || '''3.1''' || 1.2 || '''.6''' || '''13.7''' |- class="sortbottom" | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career<ref>{{cite web |title=Nico Harrison College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/nico-harrison-1.html |website=College Basketball at Sports Reference |accessdate=May 15, 2025}}</ref> | 110 || 82 || 28.0 || .560 || .328 || .676 || 4.0 || 2.2 || 1.4 || .5 || 11.6 {{s-end}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Dallas Mavericks general manager navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Harrison, Nico}} Category:1972 births Category:Living people Category:American expatriate basketball people in Belgium Category:American expatriate basketball people in Japan Category:Army Black Knights men's basketball players Category:Dallas Mavericks executives Category:Montana State Bobcats men's basketball players Category:People from Tigard, Oregon Category:Basketball players from Seattle Category:Sportspeople from Washington County, Oregon Category:Sun Rockers Shibuya players