With the Dallas Mavericks off to a rough start, calls for change are growing louder than ever. Reports suggest discussions are underway about parting ways with GM Nico Harrison. Amid the uncertainty, though, the team has made a notable move to strengthen its image. The Macs announced the appointment of Gina Miller as chief communications officer in an effort to rebuild its public reputation.

Until now, vice presidents managed communication duties, but the Mavericks created this new role specifically for Gina Miller. Her extensive experience and the team’s recent stretch of negative publicity, including front-office/ownership rift rumors, made the move necessary. Miller, who began as a broadcast journalist and later served as FC Dallas vice president, now starts her new chapter with the Mavericks.

“I’ve been a lifelong Mavs fan,” the Texas local told Dallas News. She will be responsible for communicating basketball and business operations. But in hindsight, it’s her devotion to the Mavericks that matters. Since trading Luka Doncic, the franchise has been at odds with its own fans.

The American Airlines Center remains hostile, still coping with the loss of its prodigal son. But Gina Miller is one of the faithful Mavericks fans who are still behind the franchise. Her expertise in the field could help reconnect the fans with the team once again. And Miller is pumped to see what lies ahead.

“Having done Mavs TV for so long with Derek Harper, and having covered the team for so long, it’s just a perfectly natural fit to join the team in this role. I’m really excited about it, and I look forward to all that’s ahead,” she added. Having her on their team could spark some loyalty from fans once again because Gina Miller has extensively covered the Mavericks.

Furthermore, she even interned with the Houston Rockets during the 1994-95 season. She is someone who could reach the fans, as a fan herself. In such turbulent times, the Mavericks need their strong fanbase to have an impact.

And her appointment could actually be celebrated. The same can’t be said for Nico Harrison, though.

Nico Harrison is in the firing line

Until now, Mavericks fans were imploring the franchise to take a decision on Nico Harrison. “Fire Nico,” they bluntly repeat during the Mavericks’ home games. But Patrick Dumont was behind his GM when he suggested trading Luka Doncic. However, watching a 3-7 start to the season, Dumont seems to be on the edge.

According to Tim MacMahon, the Mavericks owner intervened in the team’s decision to play Anthony Davis. Initially, the plan was to see him play against the Wizards. However, Patrick Dumont, with advice from the medical team, made the call to give AD additional rest. To MacMahon, this was something major.

Generally, you don’t see owners stepping in to make such decisions about players. That’s the general manager’s job. It suggested that the Mavericks’ top brass might be starting to lose trust in Harrison. And MacMahon feels it’s only a matter of time before they make a decision that could delight Mavericks fans.

“There’s a whole lot of things that ain’t good with the Mavericks. And hey, at this point, I believe it is a matter of when, not if, Nico Harrison will be fired. And there is a very, very strong likelihood that will be midseason,” he said on Hoop Collective.

Looking at the developments, Gina Miller brings promise of connecting with the fanbase and winning them over. However, it’s going to be tough to start fresh if they can’t get over what Nico Harrison inspired. They may not forgive him, and at this point, only positive results could see Dumont and others regain their trust in Harrison again.

From a team perspective, Anthony Davis’ return could spark a run. Since they have started to play a point guard again, there’s hope that the offense improves. And frankly, Nico Harrison desperately needs it to click. Because if it doesn’t, his seat is on the line.