Seeing Luka Doncic average over 37 points with three 40-point outings has been hard to watch for Mavericks fans. Worse, with Dallas stumbling to a 3-8 start, frustration is boiling inside the American Airlines Center, giving a throwback to what they lost in last season’s blockbuster trade. Nico Harrison was already facing criticism, and now even owner Patrick Dumont has drawn a fan’s ire.

That fan was an 18-year-old Nicholas Dickason, who had flipped off Patrick Dumont just a few nights earlier. Hoping to make amends, he approached the Mavericks owner during their narrow loss to the Bucks. What followed surprised him as Dumont offered a candid confession that explained his recent hands-on approach and deeper involvement in guiding the struggling team.

“Basically Patrick was like, He feels horrible for the trade. And wants to make it up to us. That’s basically what he said. He accepted my apology for it as well,” Dickason told The Athletic about their lengthy conversation while sitting courtside. (not independently verified by EssentiallySports.)

If indeed true, it’s a much different stance from when he said trading Doncic was a “decision about the future.” And in recent weeks, a change in his demeanor is noticeable. As of late, Patrick Dumont has taken it upon himself to help the Mavericks prosper following the monumental trade that shook the city, and some see it as him getting involved in Nico Harrison’s job role.

Dumont made the call to give Anthony Davis additional rest before returning from a calf injury. Furthermore, his sitting courtside was another indication. The owner wants to set things right. Maybe that starts with being honest about a critical mistake that saw the franchise’s torchbearer get shipped in the middle of his prime and just a season removed from an NBA Finals appearance.

However, to truly get peace, other measures could also be implemented. You might have heard it already, but Nico Harrison’s seat as the general manager doesn’t appear to be safe. The reports continue to pour in. But more than a business decision, it’s becoming evident that the fans might never return to supporting the Mavericks as long as Harrison remains in charge.

Is firing Nico Harrison a necessity now?

It’s no one’s place to judge whether Nico Harrison should be fired or not, except the top brass. The hard truth is, with health on their side, the Mavericks do have a stunning cast. Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Cooper Flagg could be a trio that lifts the Mavs to glory once again.

But because of how the season has begun and with Luka Doncic flourishing in LA, fans are starting to turn against the franchise, or at least Nico Harrison. Just see the game tonight against the Bucks. Flagg made the big play to take the lead. Minutes after, “Fire Nico” chants rang around the building.

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Same when PJ Washington was at the line, shooting decisive free throws to tie the game. The home arena, which was once a palace with passionate fans, has become a war zone for the Mavericks, and even a new communication officer might not help ease that. Players have to go the extra mile to shut off the noise. “You can’t focus on that, because it’s not going to do anything besides hold us back, honestly,” Daniel Gafford said.

That is where Harrison’s position sits on ice. If Patrick Dumont wants to win the fanbase back, an apology does help progress. But till Harrison is still in the building, it’s hard to see those chants stop, unless maybe he himself comes out and admits a mistake. And in hindsight, it may not be.

The Mavericks’ core could achieve something special in a few years. That would mean Harrison’s bold decision paid off. But it will be incredibly difficult to reach their potential without fans constantly pouring in to show their support. If they remain against the franchise and aren’t filling out the American Airlines Center, players could lose motivation, too.

Nico Harrison, for all that he did, could one day have the right to say he created a roster that bolstered the Mavericks’ competitive ability. But without fans on their side, it’s like playing in an away arena for the entire season. The hostility affects the players and their spirits to play in Dallas.

That, out of everything, could play a major role in what Dumont decides to do. How do you think this situation will develop? Let us know your views in the comments below.