Mavericks becoming NBA's biggest joke after ejecting fans critical of GM Nico Harrison

It's too bad Mavericks fans are in such a foul mood.

They're missing out on their team becoming the NBA's biggest joke.

During their 129-128 home overtime loss to the Kings (27-26, ninth in Western Conference), team security removed fans who held signs reading "FIRE" and "NICO," a reference to general manager Nico Harrison .

Earlier in the game, one of the same fans mouthed "Fire Nico" when he appeared on the jumbotron.

During the Mavs Karaoke Cam a fan looked like he mouthed FIRE NICO and they quickly pulled out.

This was the first time fans have been shown on the video board since The Trade.

pic.twitter.com/WzMQQzyd4L Update: Mavs Security just kicked out the guy who said FIRE NICO on the video board.

pic.twitter.com/Fk6EIk8ZWe Fans have been strident in their frustration with Harrison since he sent franchise-favorite Luka Doncic to the Lakers in an overnight trade the weekend of Feb.

1-2 for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.

Ejecting fans for voicing their (justified) displeasure with the transaction which the Mavericks seemingly did in this situation is incredibly weak.

On Friday, ESPN NBA reporter Tim MacMahon reported that Harrison had received death threats, causing the team to increase security.

"Lines have been crossed," McMahon said.

.

@espn_macmahon on tonight's Mavs game in Dallas: "Nico Harrison has been subjected to death threats, security is going to be beefed up.

There will be protests outside.

Lines have been crossed" pic.twitter.com/rEyBoNIbAu If, as MacMahon said, there is a line, a fan demanding accountability with a sign is firmly on the side of tolerable acts.

As long as no one resorts to violent threats, fans should be allowed to dissent without punishment.

The ejection is an awful look and might be the worst part of a terrible Monday for the Mavericks.

Not only did they lose to fall to 28-26 and eighth in the Western Conference, but Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki elected to travel to Los Angeles for Doncic's Lakers debut against the Jazz instead of attending the Mavs home game.

The Lakers had 72 points at halftime, with the Doncic-LeBron James pairing already paying dividends.

Mavs fans likely aren't getting over the Doncic trade anytime soon.

The front office should get used to it.

If not, soon enough, the Mavericks might be playing in an empty arena.

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports.

He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, mens and womens college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf.

He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans.

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