"Anger & Shock: The Aftermath of Dallas Mavericks Fans"

Allow me to start this article off by saying: "You have every right to be 
upset with what happened in this trade." Yes, it doesn't feel like it even 
occurred just a week ago; as Mavericks superstar guard Luka Doncic 
was traded to Los Angeles for power forward Anthony Davis. In what's 
been a whirlwind of emotions, Mavericks fans have spoken their minds. 

Within a short few hours, fans protested outside the complex where 
franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki has a statue. You'd thought it was a 
funeral from how each participant sounded. Signs of "RIP77," "Fire 
Nico," all in between raw emotions which left everyone in uproar. Doncic 
was supposed to be there for the future; but Harrison did the 
unthinkable and traded away a 25 year-old superstar. 

You can say nobody in Dallas heard any rumblings, rumors or 
disgruntled dialogue from Doncic. Not even sports media knew this until 
the eleventh hour. Trade deadline approaching, Harrison and Lakers 
general manager Rob Pelinka set the NBA world into shock. How we 
got here will be said here shortly.
Upon this deal, it's one we all said "huh?" Mavericks fans waking up and 
seeing their franchise player dealt in a mix of who agreed to this trade? 
A very emotional Doncic, fans who eat, sleep and breathe Mavs 
basketball was angered by this undeniable trade. Nothing was without 
merit as the fans wanted further explanation.

It wasn't like Doncic went to management and requested a trade; this 
happened in a matter of days leading up to the bombshell breaking 
news. Nico Harrison did what nobody would think and the ramifications 
which were to follow. During the presser with head coach Jason Kidd, 

even he was still in shock Doncic was traded. Harrison did most of the 
talking, as body language spoke volumes.

When Harrison was hired as general manager, his vision was to build a 
championship team to compete. Doncic led the Mavericks to (2) 
Western Conference Finals and (1) NBA Finals. Hearing words like 
"culture," I ask this: "Breaking down what's already built can't be 
replicated." Were there internal issues with Doncic that worried Harrison 
in giving the supermax extension? A lot of questions, very limited 
answers.

Now, Doncic has made All NBA (5 times) and been in the MVP 
conversation. Overweight being an issue, but still averaging a triple 
double every night. Being the primary scorer but lacks defensive 
awareness as he's often blown by. Whining to refs and not being 
focused on team success. All of this could've been worked out, but 
Harrison seen enough.

In the days which followed, fans were refunded their season ticket 
money and now find themselves uninspired to watch their team. It's one 
of those moments which their year round escape has no meaning. Luka 
Doncic was Mavericks basketball; the next great legend to have a 
statue. All of it went to shambles on this trade and no remorse. 

Harrison had to pony up extra security to protect himself and family 
members in avoiding being mobbed by angry fans. When you do this 
without telling anyone, it sends a bad message for the fanbase. Playing 
to win now with Davis gives Dallas more of a higher percentage of 
success; whereas Doncic is pivotal to the Lakers future.

This trade will be the tall tale of how Harrison's ability to do the 
unthinkable and send Doncic to Los Angeles. If the Mavericks were to 

have a first round exit with Kyrie Irving and Davis, fans will scream "Fire 
Nico." But this will be the toughest two dozen plus games for Dallas, as 
life without Doncic has started. If they fall short of postseason play, the 
fans have every right to default every game moving forward.

For Doncic, a new journey begins in Los Angeles as the next great 
Laker. His body language was still in shock during his introductory press 
conference. Once he settles into the spotlights of Hollywood, everything 
will be alright. Long as he plays hard and competes, Laker fans will 
embrace regardless of the hurtful exit from Dallas.

Who knows if Dallas will find their next superstar in future drafts? It's 
very rare but Doncic was on pace to become a Mavericks legend. Fans 
will never forgive Harrison for trading their beloved franchise player, but 
for now there's still a glimmer of hope Dallas will somehow make the 
postseason.

Stai tuned.