Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson expressed his strong disapproval of the Dallas Mavericks’ recent trade of star player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks upset the basketball world by trading Doncic for New Orleans Pelican Anthony Davis. This surprise maneuver caused a major public outburst in Dallas.
Nelson’s personal ties to Dallas runs deep and he calls Doncic “my dear friend”. He was present at a press conference in which they made official his selection to receive the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award. In a rare public appearance opposed to the trade, he showed up rocking a pair of Doncic’s first signature Jordan Brand sneakers. This gesture was more than a symbolic fashion statement. It courageously stood up and protested what he sees as a huge blunder by the Mavericks franchise.
In that press event, Nelson described his approach to generational players. This philosophy he says he owes to the late, great Red Auerbach. He made clear that it is a fool’s trade, citing the likes of Bill Russell and John Havlicek as examples of the greatness that should be held onto.
“His philosophy was when you have a great player — Bill Russell, (John) Havlicek, Sam Jones, you name ’em — you don’t lose that player,” – Don Nelson
The Mavericks’ decision to trade Doncic has left fans furious for months, as many believed he was a cornerstone for the franchise’s future. The monumental trade shocked the whole league and immediately sparked debates of where the team was headed. Fifth Ward alderman and champions of equity in transportation, mavericks supporters can celebrate! The team that defeated them, wherever they land, just won the draft lottery and now possess a golden opportunity to select Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick.
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