The Dallas Mavericks are trying to stabilize a season that has already tested their patience, depth, and unity.
But this week, head coach Jason Kidd sent an unmistakable message-not to his players, but to the fanbase. He’s had enough.
During Monday’s game, as forward P.J. Washington stepped to the free-throw line, a section of fans at American Airlines Center broke into a loud “Fire Nico” chant, taking one final jab at former general manager Nico Harrison, who had been dismissed earlier in the week. For Kidd, who was hired by Harrison and worked closely with him over the past four years, the moment crossed a line. “So that chant when we’re shooting free throws, it’s very disrespectful,” the former NBA player said Wednesday.
A team trying to stay focused amid front-office turmoil
The Mavericks were already dealing with a rough 3-8 start and a roster ravaged by injuries to stars like Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II.Harrison‘s removal added another layer of uncertainty for players who had already been grinding through a draining opening month.
“Yesterday was a tough day for everyone,” Kidd said. “Anytime you lose someone you’ve spent the last four years with, it’s tough… But the season moves forward. We have to push forward.”
Center Daniel Gafford echoed the sentiment. “We got games to win,” Gafford said. “There’s a lot going on around the team right now. But our main focus is just going out and playing basketball, no matter what goes on outside the lines.”
Players felt the sting of the crowd’s frustration
Fan frustration has been simmering ever since the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic out of Dallas nine months ago. The team’s uneven performances have only heightened the tension. Still, Kidd and his players expected-and hoped for-the support that has traditionally made the AAC one of the NBA’s toughest home environments. Instead, Monday’s chants felt like a breaking point.
“We can only hope that we don’t have to go through that again because it was a little disrespectful,” Kidd said. “The guys can hear those things. They feel really disrespected.” Washington, one of the emotional anchors in the locker room, agreed.
“I felt like people weren’t really cheering us on from a players’ standpoint,” Washington said. “Hopefully that changes.” The players insist the negativity doesn’t go unnoticed-and that it can take a toll. “It’s hard to keep guys here in this league when they start to think the home team is not home,” Kidd added. “Hopefully that changes tonight.”
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