One of the NBA’s executives with the most flexibility is Nico Harrison
The majority of NBA executives fall into one of two distinct categories: scouting- or analytics-based (think Clint Eastwood in Trouble with the Curve or Brad Pitt in Moneyball). The majority also favor developing young players through the draft, acquiring veterans with a lower learning curve through trades, or signing veterans. The difference between this offseason and the previous offseason is a fantastic illustration of how Nico Harrison differs from the majority of NBA executives in that his flexibility enables him to learn from his failures.
When the Dallas Mavericks dealt a first-round pick for Christian Wood, a brilliant but erratic big man, they carried on a long pattern of undervaluing first-round picks. Since then, Wood has transferred to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he will once more endeavor to maximize his extraordinarily gifted abilities. Jaden Hardy was chosen by the Mavericks after a trade back into the second round, although it hardly represented a recommitment to the draft as they had to give up two other second-round picks in order to accomplish it.
In the offseason of this year, things have changed drastically. The Mavericks chose to tank, which was unpopular but the right move, in order to keep their first-round draft pick. Rather than trading it for an experienced player as almost all pundits thought, they essentially used that pick. Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who is the Mavericks’ most intriguing wing prospect since Josh Howard (assuming you do not consider Luka Doncic a wing), was selected by them after they traded down two positions to get there.
At one point, Harrison remarked, “We are listening to everything.” It is simple to say something like that, but in reality, he actually seems receptive to the notion. This offseason, the Mavericks become much more athletic. They grew significantly in size around the edges, and more crucially, they displayed a variety of thought patterns, which is only positive for the future.
It is tempting to interpret this change of direction as the aimless wandering of a man. Harrison might be so open to changing directions because he is merely unsure of what it is that he wants to accomplish. The perception of great leadership or, in this case, beauty may vary from person to person. The truth is that this path change is a sign of a guy who is wise enough to learn from his own mistakes, even though a pessimist may see it as evidence that Harrison has strong ideals.
Even the best decision-makers occasionally make blunders. Red Auerbach, arguably the best businessman in NBA history, chose Joe Forte over Tony Parker despite the objections of his whole staff. The crucial factor is that executives choose well more often than not. Being open to trying new things is among the finest methods to do that.
Harrison’s lack of ties to either heritage as his base accounts for his willingness to try new things. Neither does he have a track record of earning millions by studying mathematical probabilities like Haralabos Voulgaris nor does he have decades of experience searching high school games for outstanding talent like Adam Sandler in Hidden Gems.
Deals are made by Harrison. He was in charge of doing it at Nike. When I took over, it seemed like the Mavericks were stuck with their roster and had little options for change, but each of the last two seasons, they have made significant moves. Few executives have the degree of freedom he does thanks to his adaptability. And because he had that flexibility, he had a great offseason, which helped the Mavericks prepare for the current season and seasons to come.