After firing Nico Harrison as general manager on Tuesday, the Dallas Mavericks can move on. Fans have longed for the dismissal of the executive after he traded All-Star guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2024-25 NBA season for Anthony Davis. Since the roster move, fans have repeatedly chanted “Fire Nico” during home games at the American Airlines Center.
Fans don’t hold back when expressing how hurt they were over the trade. When Harrison is in the arena, the chant begins. Even when players shoot free throws, the arena is filled with “Fire Nico” on repeat. While fans are protesting, head coach Jason Kidd believes it serves as a distraction to many, including the players.
Ahead of the team’s Wednesday contest against the Phoenix Suns, Kidd commented on his thoughts about the chant. According to the coach, he believes it’s disrespectful to players and urged the supporters to move on from the trade.
“We can only hope that we don’t have to go through that again because it was a little disrespectful because the guys are playing hard… With that chant when we’re shooting free throws, it’s very disrespectful. But understanding they got their point across, the fans, but we have to move forward… It’s hard to keep guys here in this league when they start to think that the home team is not home and becomes a visiting place, and so hopefully that changes tonight,” Kidd said.
The Mavericks are hosting the Suns tonight, and Kidd is hoping to see a change among the fans. Now that their wish has been granted, the former NBA star thinks they can focus on the franchise’s future with Cooper Flagg.
Kidd believes Cooper Flagg has handled the “Fire Nico” chants from Mavericks fans
Cooper Flagg didn’t plan to be part of the Mavericks’ drama. But since he was the No. 1 pick months after the franchise traded their best player, he’s received some criticism from the fans. Additionally, he is among the players who have been harmed by the “Fire Nico” slogan.
Despite this, Kidd commended Flagg for being mature and composed amid the fans’ emotions towards the organization.
“I would just say look at his game. Simple answer. He’s very mature for an 18-year-old. If you were to grade his game, it was one of his best. He’s a winner, he wants to win. He wants his teammates to make every shot… He’s 18, but he’s not afraid,” the head coach said.
Jason Kidd on the way Cooper Flagg handled the “Fire Nico” chants:
“I would just say look at his game. Simple answer. He’s very mature for an 18-year-old. If you were to grade his game, it was one of his best. He’s a winner, he wants to win. He wants his teammates to make every…
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) November 13, 2025
Early in his NBA career, Flagg has started to find his rhythm. He’s averaging 15 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists through 11 games.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
