Mavericks weigh Anthony Davis return while launching GM search
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DALLAS — Anthony Davis will sit out for the seventh consecutive game when the Mavericks face the Suns on Wednesday in Phoenix, as team owner Patrick Dumont has declined to authorize the center’s return until medical staff can prove he will not worsen a left calf strain.
Medical impasse over Davis
ESPN reported a split between the club’s medical department and the player’s personal advisors regarding his readiness. Dumont has aligned with director of health and performance Johann Bilsborough, favoring caution, while recently dismissed general manager Nico Harrison had backed Davis’ push to play.
The Athletic added that team physicians warned of an elevated risk of an Achilles tendon tear if Davis returns prematurely.
Front-office shake-up
The argument over Davis’ status was described as one of the final flashpoints before Harrison was relieved of duties on Tuesday. Minority shareholder Mark Cuban had expressed concern for months that Harrison was steering the organization off course, according to The Athletic.
Head coach Jason Kidd and allies on his staff had also questioned Harrison’s direction, most visibly when Kidd opened the season with rookie Cooper Flagg starting at point guard ahead of free-agent signee D’Angelo Russell. The Athletic noted that Kidd, who has signed contract extensions in each of the past two off-seasons, often held more sway than the front office during those disputes.
Search for a new GM
Marc Stein reported that Dallas will conduct a “prudent and thorough” search for Harrison’s permanent replacement. Cuban is said to be advocating for Detroit Pistons executive Dennis Lindsey, who previously served as an advisor in Dallas. Internally, a promotion for assistant general manager Matt Riccardi would be viewed as evidence of Kidd’s influence.
Organizational frustrations
The Athletic detailed dissatisfaction with several of Harrison’s hiring decisions, citing turnover in the medical department and the brief tenure of former public-relations chief Victoria Martinez, dismissed in September after joining the team in 2024 without prior PR experience. Multiple employees told the outlet that Harrison resisted dissent, even on minor matters.
Renewed hope for Nowitzki’s involvement
Stein also reported optimism that franchise icon Dirk Nowitzki could take on a larger role following the front-office change. Co-interim GM Michael Finley, sharing duties with Riccardi, was initially hesitant to accept the position and had been the loudest internal critic of last season’s Luka Dončić trade, Stein added.
For now, Dallas awaits the returns of Davis and Kyrie Irving while Dumont reshapes the basketball operations group around voices he trusts.
Source: Hoops Wire
