Nico Harrison Fires Mavericks Training Staff After Season of Injuries

Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has initiated a major overhaul of the team's health and performance staff after a disappointing season marked by significant injuries and the controversial trade of Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. Harrison dismissed athletic performance director Keith Belton and head athletic trainer Dionne Calhoun, moves that follow reported internal disputes over the handling of center Dereck Lively's injury and general dissatisfaction with player health management. The Mavericks missed the playoffs after numerous key players, including Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Lively, suffered substantial injuries, leading to fan frustration and skepticism about the team's direction. The firing of long-tenured staff like Calhoun continues a pattern of staff changes since the departure of former health director Casey Smith, whose influence reportedly concerned Harrison. Despite defending his medical team publicly, Harrison's actions reflect ongoing tension and uncertainty about the Mavericks' future competitiveness. The team's injury woes and staff shakeups have left its immediate prospects and stability in question.