Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has publicly urged fans to cease their ongoing protests and rally behind the team following the dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison, stressing the importance of moving forward from the divisive Luka Doncic trade. Kidd made his remarks on November 12, 2025, after a home loss to the Phoenix Suns, addressing months of fan outrage that had manifested in chants of “Fire Nico!” during games. He described the chants as disrespectful, particularly when they occurred during critical free throw attempts by Mavericks players.
The fan protests began in early February after Harrison orchestrated a trade that sent franchise star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that shocked the basketball world and alienated a significant portion of the fanbase. The chants reached a peak during Monday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, where they were heard multiple times in the fourth quarter, including during key moments when players were at the free throw line. This persistent negativity has overshadowed home games at the American Airlines Center, turning what should be a supportive environment into a source of distraction for the team.
Kidd emphasized that while he understands the fans’ frustration, the current players are giving their all and deserve unwavering support. “The guys are playing hard, and they’re trying to win,” Kidd said. “With that chant going during free throws, it’s very disrespectful. They got their point across as fans, but we have to move forward.” His comments came just a day after Harrison’s firing, which appears to be a direct response to the sustained fan anger, though the team has not detailed the specific reasons behind the decision.
Players have privately expressed that the negative atmosphere has created a home-court disadvantage, with sources indicating that it feels like the crowd is not cheering for them. Forward P.J. Washington, who was at the free throw line during pivotal moments of the Bucks game, echoed this sentiment, hoping for a shift in fan behavior. “The people weren’t really cheering us on,” Washington said. “Hopefully, that changes.” He refrained from blaming the chants for on-court outcomes but acknowledged the challenging environment.
Washington recalled specific instances where the chants disrupted his concentration, such as when he was fouled on a 3-point attempt with 1.2 seconds remaining and had a chance to tie the score, only to miss the second free throw. Despite this, he maintained a professional attitude, focusing on the team’s efforts rather than external factors. The cumulative effect of these disruptions has highlighted the need for a more positive and unified fan approach to help the players perform at their best.
Kidd’s call to move forward underscores an organizational effort to heal the rift and refocus on the remainder of the season. By acknowledging the fans’ right to express their views while urging them to support the current roster, he aims to rebuild trust and foster a collaborative spirit. The Mavericks, now without their former GM, must navigate this transitional period with an emphasis on team cohesion and fan engagement to overcome the setbacks of the past months.
Looking ahead, the success of this appeal will depend on how fans respond in upcoming games and whether the team can channel this renewed focus into improved performances. Kidd’s leadership in addressing the issue head-on marks a critical step toward restoring a supportive home atmosphere, which could play a vital role in the Mavericks’ pursuit of stability and success in the competitive NBA landscape.
