When general manager Nico Harrison sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, he gambled the franchise’s future on a defensive identity. That bet officially failed on Nov. 11 when the organization fired him.
Now, amid a brutal start to the 2025-26 campaign, the centerpiece of that wrong move is finally breaking his silence.
How Did Anthony Davis React to the Firing?
Injuries kept Davis away from the microphones immediately after the front office shakeup. He suffered a calf injury against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 29 and has played just five games this season. However, the star big man spoke on the situation regarding his former GM during his media availability on Nov. 26.
“It was surprising more than anything. Nico’s my guy. He played a huge part in getting me here & wanting me to fulfill his vision that he saw … It was definitely tough … It’s the business of basketball,” said Davis.
Asked Anthony Davis about his reaction to Nico Harrison’s firing:
“It was surprising more than anything. Nico’s my guy. He played a huge part in getting me here & wanting me to fulfill his vision that he saw. It was definitely tough. Me & him had a conversation. Me & (Mavs… pic.twitter.com/E2aKNR9kma
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) November 26, 2025
To understand why this hits hard for Davis, you have to remember the blueprint Harrison tried to build. The former executive believed defense was the only path to a title.
“Defense wins championships, and we are hanging our hat on defense. We’re going to return one of the best front lines in the NBA, and we have one of the deepest and most versatile benches,” expressed Harrison.
Can the Mavericks Overcome Their Injury Woes?
That depth Harrison bragged about is being pushed to the breaking point. Davis has suited up for only 14 games since arriving last February. The medical tent is overflowing, with Daniel Gafford starting the year on a bad ankle and Dereck Lively II recently undergoing foot surgery. He will miss at least 7 to 10 days. Consequently, centers Dwight Powell and Moussa Cise are playing major minutes out of necessity.
The problems extend to the backcourt. With Kyrie Irving out until 2026, Head Coach Jason Kidd has cycled through Cooper Flagg, D’Angelo Russell, and Brandon Williams at point guard to find a spark. Williams looks like the starter for now, but his production fluctuates night to night.
MORE: Anthony Davis Injury Update: Insider Drops Latest Update On Mavericks Star’s Return Timeline
Ironically, the team is playing exactly how Harrison wanted, at least on one end. Dallas ranks second in the league with a stifling 110.3 defensive rating. Davis returning over Thanksgiving weekend should boost that even further, and rookie Cooper Flagg is already showing he can guard anyone.
But you have to score to win. The Mavericks sit dead last with a 105.0 offensive rating. They failed to crack 110 points in 12 of their 19 games. That massive disconnect between offense and defense proves you can’t compete for a championship if you can’t put the ball in the hoop.