Nico Harrison
{{Short description|American basketball player, executive (born 1972)}}
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Nico Harrison
| image =
| position = President of basketball operations/
General manager
| team = Dallas Mavericks
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 5
| league = NBA
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1972|12|28}}
| birth_place = Seattle, Washington, U.S.
| high_school = Tigard (Tigard, Oregon)
| college = *Army (1991–1992)
- Montana State (1993–1996)
| draft_year = 1996
| career_start = 1996
| career_end = 2001
| career_position = Forward
| years1 = 1996–1997
| team1 = Leuven Bears
| years2 = 1997–1998
| team2 = Black Hills Posse
| years3 = 1998–2000
| team3 = Hitachi Honsha Rising Sun|
| highlights = As player:
- 3× First-team All-Big Sky (1994–1996)
- Patriot League All-Freshman team (1992)
}}
Nico Tyrone Harrison (born December 28, 1972) is an American professional basketball executive who is the president of basketball operations and general manager of the Dallas Mavericks.
After playing college basketball at West Point and Montana State, Harrison played professional basketball in Belgium, Japan, the International Basketball Association, and Lebanon for 5 years.
In 2002, Harrison began a 19-year career at Nike, Inc., rising to Nike's Vice President of North American basketball operations. In 2021, Harrison was appointed as the general manager and president of basketball operations for the Dallas Mavericks, succeeding Donnie Nelson. On the night of February 1–2, 2025, he and Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka executed the Luka Dončić–Anthony Davis trade, one of the most significant trades in NBA history.
Early life
Harrison was born on December 28, 1972 in Seattle, Washington. He is the son of Steve and Christie Harrison (née Martinez), and was the fourth of their five children. Harrison's parents divorced when he was five years old, and he split time between Spokane, Washington, and Tigard, Oregon, while growing up. As a child, Harrison played both American football and basketball, before shifting his focus solely to basketball in ninth grade. Harrison attended Tigard High School after determining it would be his best opportunity to earn a college basketball scholarship.{{cite news |last=Townsend |first=Brad |date=2021-09-27 |title=No more mystery: Inside Nico Harrison's circuitous journey to becoming Mavericks GM |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2021/09/27/montana-middle-east-mavericks-nico-harrisons-previous-stops-prepared-him-to-be-gm/ |access-date=September 28, 2021 |work=The Dallas Morning News |publisher=}}
College career
Harrison struggled with injuries during his junior and senior seasons in high school, and West Point was the only school that continued to recruit him.{{cn |date=March 2025}} In his freshman year of college in 1991, Harrison averaged 9.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game for the Black Knights. He was selected to the Patriot League All-Freshman team in 1992.{{cite web |title=Nico Harrison College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/nico-harrison-1.html |website=Sports Reference |access-date=February 2, 2025}}
After one year at West Point, Harrison transferred to Montana State University.{{cite web |title=Hall of Fame - Montana State University Athletics |url=https://msubobcats.com/honors/hall-of-fame |website=Montana State University |access-date=February 3, 2025}} Due to NCAA transfer rules, Harrison was required to sit out of the 1992-93 NCAA season. In three seasons with the Bobcats between 1993 and 1996, Harrison averaged 12 points, 2.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game. In his senior year in 1996, Harrison averaged 13.7 points per game and helped lead the Bobcats to the NCAA tournament, where they were eliminated in the first round by Syracuse 88-55.{{cite web |title=A Quarter-Century Later, Danny Sprinkle is Again Poised to Lead Montana State into a Big Sky Championship Game |url=https://msubobcats.com/news/2021/3/13/mens-basketball-a-quarter-century-later-danny-sprinkle-is-again-poised-to-lead-montana-state-into-a-big-sky-championship-game |website=Montana State University Bobcats |access-date=February 3, 2025}} Harrison was selected to the first team All-Big Sky Conference in each of his three years with the Bobcats. Harrison graduated with a degree in biological and medical sciences and was a two-time Arthur Ashe Jr. Scholar-Athlete award winner.{{cite tweet|title=Register|url-access=limited|user=thesteinline|number=1409610282729558027 | url=https://twitter.com/thesteinline/status/1409610282729558027|access-date=September 28, 2021}} In 2015, Harrison was inducted into the Montana State Bobcats Hall of Fame.
Professional basketball career
Harrison went undrafted by the NBA after graduating from Montana State. He first played professionally for the Leuven Bears in Belgium in the 1996-97 season. Harrison played for the Black Hills Posse of the International Basketball Association (IBA) during the 1997–98 season where he averaged 8.9 points and 3.2 rebounds in 21 minutes.{{cite web |title=Nico Harrison minor league basketball statistics |url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbasketball/stats/p-harrinic001 |website=Stats Crew |access-date=February 2, 2025}} He then played two years for the Hitachi Honsha Rising Sun in Japan from 1998 until 2000. His final year playing basketball was in Lebanon with a team in Beirut.
Nike
Following the end of his playing career, Harrison moved back to Oregon, where he took up a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative.{{cite news |last1=Spears |first1=Marc |title=Nico Harrison on the Mavs' general manager job, life at Nike, Kobe Bryant, Luka Doncic, and more |url=https://andscape.com/features/nico-harrison-on-the-mavs-general-manager-job-life-at-nike-kobe-bryant-luka-doncic-and-more/ |access-date=February 3, 2025 |publisher=Andscape |date=January 5, 2022}} In 2002, a friend informed him of an open position at Nike as a regional field representative for the NBA. Harrison applied and was hired, moving to Dallas, Texas, where the job was based. As part of the role, Harrison represented players such as Michael Finley, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, and Jermaine O'Neal. In 2003, Harrison was promoted to a national marketing role with Nike, where he worked with prominent basketball stars like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.{{Cite web |date=28 June 2021 |title=Nico Harrison Introduced as Dallas Mavericks General Manager |url=https://www.mavs.com/nico-harrison-press-release/ |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=Dallas Mavericks |language=en-US}} Harrison was eventually promoted to the role of Vice President of North American basketball operations, where he worked until 2021. Over his 19 years at Nike, Harrison became known for his trustworthiness and ability to develop personal connections, making him a popular figure with NBA players.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Pat |date=2022-08-06 |title=The True Story Behind Nike's Failed Meeting with Stephen Curry |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/sneakers/news/the-true-story-behind-nikes-failed-meeting-with-stephen-curry |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=Sports Illustrated |language=en-US}}
During his work at Nike, he botched a 2013 presentation to Stephen Curry, where according to Harrison he may have called him Seth, and the presentation used was made for Kevin Durant. This, along with not offering Curry a signature shoe, caused the superstar to switch from Nike and sign with Under Armour.
Dallas Mavericks
On June 28, 2021, Harrison was appointed as the general manager and president of basketball operations for the Dallas Mavericks, succeeding Donnie Nelson. This appointment coincided with the hiring of Jason Kidd as the head coach.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-28 |title=Mavericks officially hire Jason Kidd as coach, Nico Harrison as GM |url=https://www.nba.com/news/mavericks-officially-hire-jason-kidd-as-coach-nico-harrison-as-gm |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=NBA.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite magazine |last=Afseth |first=Grant |date=2021-06-28 |title=New Dallas Mavs GM Nico Harrison Speaks: 'Iconic Franchise' Ready for 'Next Level' |url=https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks/news/new-dallas-mavs-gm-nico-harrison-speaks-iconic-franchise-ready-next-level |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=Sports Illustrated |language=en-US}}
During Harrison's first three seasons as GM, the Mavericks reached the conference finals twice and the NBA Finals in 2024. In June 2024 after reaching the NBA Finals, the Mavericks gave Harrison a multi-year contract extension.{{cite news |last1=Molski |first1=Max |title=Mavericks extend GM Nico Harrison ahead of NBA Finals |url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/mavericks-gm-nico-harrison-contract-extension-nba-finals/3558548/ |access-date=2 February 2025 |work=NBC DFW |date=2024-06-04}}
Together with longtime friend Rob Pelinka, Harrison engineered the February 2025 trade of Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, considered by many as one of the most shocking trades in the history of the NBA.{{cite news |last1=Shelburne, Ramona |first1=and McMahon, Tim |title='Unfathomable'" How this stunning Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade came together |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43676830/how-stunning-luka-doncic-anthony-davis-trade-came-together-los-angeles-lakers-dallas-mavericks |access-date=February 4, 2025 |publisher=ESPN |date=February 3, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Mannix |first1=Chris |title=Luka Doncic Trade to Lakers is Most Shocking in NBA History |url=https://www.si.com/nba/luka-doncic-trade-lakers-mavericks-most-shocking-nba-history |access-date=February 4, 2025 |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=February 2, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Peebles |first1=Maurice |title='The Most Shocking Trade in NBA History': Reactions to Luka Doncic Joining the Lakers |url=https://www.bet.com/article/285z87/luka-trade-reactions |access-date=February 4, 2025 |publisher=BET |date=February 3, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Baer |first1=Jack |title=Lakers trade Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic in one of the most shocking deals in NBA history |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/lakers-trade-anthony-davis-for-luka-doncic-in-one-of-the-most-shocking-deals-in-nba-history-051920660.html |access-date=February 3, 2025 |publisher=Yahoo! Sports |date=February 4, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Reiter |first1=Bill |title=Luka Doncic trade: What factors led to Lakers and Mavericks making the most shocking deal in NBA history? |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/luka-doncic-trade-what-factors-led-to-lakers-and-mavericks-making-the-most-shocking-deal-in-nba-history/ |access-date=February 4, 2025 |publisher=CBS Sports |date=February 2, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Abbruzzese |first1=Jason |title='Crazy': NBA stars and pundits shocked by Luka Doncic trade |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nba/crazy-nba-stars-pundits-shocked-luka-doncic-trade-rcna190331 |access-date=February 4, 2025 |publisher=NBC |date=February 3, 2025}} The trade received negative reaction from Mavericks fans and the media, especially given that the Mavericks had just made the NBA Finals the previous season with a team built around Dončić.{{cite news |last1=Wimbish |first1=Jasmyn |title=Why Mavericks' Luka Doncic trade is malpractice, no matter how GM Nico Harrison tries to explain it |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/why-mavericks-luka-doncic-trade-is-malpractice-no-matter-how-gm-nico-harrison-tries-to-explain-it/ |access-date=2 February 2025 |work=CBS Sports |date=2025-02-02}}{{cite news |last1=McKeone |first1=Liam |title=GM Nico Harrison Had Simple Message to Mavs Fans Frustrated Over Luka Doncic Trade |url=https://www.si.com/nba/gm-nico-harrison-simple-message-mavs-fans-frustrated-over-luka-doncic-trade |access-date=2 February 2025 |work=Sports Illustrated |date=2025-02-02}}{{cite news |last1=de Lune |first1=Claire |title=The Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade is shocking, franchise-altering and bizarre |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/feb/02/anthony-davis-luka-doncic-trade-mavericks-lakers-nba-basketball |access-date=2 February 2025 |work=The Guardian |date=2025-02-02}}{{cite news |title=Mavs' Nico Harrison provides update on stunning Luka Doncic trade |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2025/02/01/dallas-mavericks-luka-doncic-trade-lakers-anthony-davis-max-christie/ |access-date=2 February 2025 |work=Dallas Morning News |date=2025-02-02}} Harrison defended his decision, stating "defense wins championships" and adding that Anthony Davis exemplified the culture the Mavericks front office was trying to create.{{cite web|last=MacMahon|first=Tim|author-link=Tim MacMahon|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43668078/davis-key-part-mavericks-vision-culture|title=Harrison: Davis a key part to Mavericks' 'vision,' 'culture'|publisher=ESPN|date=February 2, 2025|accessdate=February 2, 2025}} Davis subsequently reaggravated an abdominal injury during his first game with the Mavericks which kept him out for a significant period.{{cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |date=February 12, 2025 |title=Report: Mavs' Anthony Davis Avoided Surgery on Injury, Will Miss 'Significant Period' |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25144658-report-mavs-anthony-davis-avoided-surgery-injury-will-miss-significant-period |accessdate=March 2, 2025 |publisher=Bleacher Report}}
After the Dončić trade, the Mavericks would end their season in the play in against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Mavericks would unexpectedly get the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft with a less than a 2% chance of getting the pick.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-12 |title=Mavericks win NBA draft lottery with 1.8% odds |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45117355/mavericks-win-nba-draft-lottery-18-odds |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}
Personal life
Harrison has four siblings, three older and one younger: Joe, Elizabeth, Shivaun, and Brandon. Harrison has been married to Darlise Harrison, a producer for ABC News and BET since 2008.{{cite news |last1=Cotton |first1=Parker |title=Former Montana State player Nico Harrison settles in as new General Manager of Dallas Mavericks |url=https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/sports/bobcats/mens-basketball/former-montana-state-player-nico-harrison-settles-in-as-new-general-manager-of-dallas-mavericks/article_ca1a333b-30d1-5a1a-9e15-ff177f25432e.html |access-date=27 February 2025 |publisher=Bozeman Daily Chronicle |date=September 28, 2021}} They have two daughters.
Career statistics
{{NBA player statistics legend}}
=College=
| class="wikitable" |
| style="background:#CFECEC; width:1em"|*
|Led Big Sky Conference |
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|1991–92
| style="text-align:left;"|Army
| 25 || 23 || 27.7 || .434 || .444 || .556 || 3.4 || 1.4 || 1.2 || .6 || 9.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|1993–94
| style="text-align:left;"|Montana State
| 26 || || 24.9 || .624 || .000 || .778 || 4.0 || 1.3 || 1.3 || .6 || 10.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|1994–95
| style="text-align:left;"|Montana State
| 29 || 29 || 27.4 || .613 || .231 || .624 || 4.4 || 2.7 || 1.8 || .3 || 11.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|1995–96
| style="text-align:left;"|Montana State
| style="background:#CFECEC;"|30* || style="background:#CFECEC;"|30* || 31.7 || .577 || .343 || .732 || 4.2 || 3.1 || 1.2 || .6 || 13.7
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career{{cite web |title=Nico Harrison College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/nico-harrison-1.html |website=College Basketball at Sports Reference |accessdate=May 15, 2025}}
| 110 || 82 || 28.0 || .560 || .328 || .676 || 4.0 || 2.2 || 1.4 || .5 || 11.6
{{s-end}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Dallas Mavericks general manager navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Harrison, Nico}}
Category:American expatriate basketball people in Belgium
Category:American expatriate basketball people in Japan
Category:Army Black Knights men's basketball players
Category:Dallas Mavericks executives
Category:Montana State Bobcats men's basketball players
Category:People from Tigard, Oregon
Category:Basketball players from Seattle