Latest news with #NicoHarrison
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Luka Doncic's offseason transformation reportedly set before Mavericks trade
Luka Doncic's weight-loss journey has become a major storyline this offseason, as the Los Angeles Lakers point guard set out to improve his conditioning in pursuit of an NBA title alongside LeBron James. Doncic was traded to the Lakers last season in a blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas. The move drew widespread criticism, with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison publicly citing concerns over Doncic's conditioning as justification for parting ways with the franchise cornerstone. Despite the noise, the five-time All-Star has remained focused on his wellness program this summer, even landing on the cover of Men's Health magazine. While Harrison's comments may have added some extra motivation, Doncic's commitment to his fitness reportedly began well before the trade, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic. "Some sources in Doncic's inner circle believed he was on the path toward this kind of physical transformation whether or not Dallas general manager Nico Harrison had bet against him,' Woike wrote. MORE: NBA analyst offers update on LeBron James' future after cyptic post Doncic started working with his current physical wellness team in 2023 and has fully bought into a new training regimen following an injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign, during which he missed an extended period due to a left calf strain. Reports indicate that the 26-year-old adopted a strict diet and spent the early part of the offseason prioritizing strength and conditioning. Entering his eighth NBA season, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft looks ready to showcase the results of his hard work as the Lakers' top option. Doncic holds career averages of 28.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game. After a slight dip in production last season, he'll look to reestablish himself as one of the best players in the world. MORE NBA NEWS: Two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic drawing overseas interest amid limited NBA trade market NBA executives evaluate Josh Giddey's $30 million asking price Knicks face $156 million decision as extensions looms for Mikal Bridges NBA writer urges Celtics to address center depth amid rocky offseason Blockbuster trade idea sends All-Star guard Tyler Herro to Milwaukee
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Luka Doncic: 'Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better'
Nothing motivates the greats quite like the quest to prove someone wrong. When the Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA by trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers, it was followed up by spin out of Dallas about GM Nico Harrison and the franchise's concerns about Doncic's lack of commitment to conditioning, taking care of his body and defense. This summer, we have seen "skinny" Luka on social media as he works out to get in shape. Doncic spoke about that with Men's Health Magazine. " Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better... "Every summer I try my best to work on different things. Obviously, I'm very competitive. This summer was just a little bit different, you know. It kind of motivated me to be even better... "Obviously, be the best that I can be, take care of myself. This year, with my team, I think we did a huge step. But this is just the start, you know. I need to keep going. Can't stop." The Mavericks were not wrong to have concerns about Doncic's conditioning, it certainly has not been consistent throughout his career. (It's still a massive leap from having concerns to trading a top-five player in the world as he enters his prime because of it.) Doncic has improved his conditioning in the past, but due to injuries and other reasons, it has never stayed at the level Dallas' Harrison — a Kobe Bryant guy — expected. What should scare the Mavericks is that they have just become the motivation he needed to genuinely change. If the disrespect from Dallas, combined with being on a new team and watching LeBron James' commitment to his body and conditioning daily, changes Doncic's habits, then the Mavericks have unleashed a monster on the league. Doncic had spent the summer back in Europe with family and friends, but landed back in the United States in the last 48 hours for a Jordan Brand promotional shoe tour. After that tour, he returns to Slovenia to lead his national team in the EuroBasket that starts at the end of this month. Doncic is eligible for a contract extension this summer: On Aug. 2, the Lakers can offer him a four-year, $223 million extension. They will, and Doncic is expected to re-sign with the team, although most likely on a three-year, $165 million max contract (or three plus a player option) because in three years he will have reached 10 years of service in the league and then can sign for up to 35% of the salary cap (the most the Lakers could offer right now is 30%). Expect that deal to be finalized before the season starts (possibly this week, while he is in the USA on a shoe tour, or perhaps closer to Lakers training camp).
New York Times
15-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Mavericks' Dereck Lively II undergoes right foot surgery to remove bone spurs
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II recently underwent right foot surgery to remove bone spurs, a source with knowledge of the situation told The Athletic. He is expected to make a full recovery ahead of training camp in September. Lively was limited to 36 games last season. He was sidelined for 2½ months with what the Mavericks said was a right ankle stress fracture. In April, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said he didn't believe Lively would need surgery before the start of next season. Advertisement NBA reporter Marc Stein was the first to report the news of Lively's surgery. Lively, whom the Mavericks acquired in a draft-night trade in 2023, helped the team reach the NBA Finals as a rookie in 2024. He made an immediate impact as a rim-rolling, shot-blocking presence inside. At 21 years old, Lively is one of the most promising young centers in the NBA, but injuries have limited him to 91 games in his first two seasons. Last season, Lively averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 23.1 minutes per game. Dallas outscored its opponents by 7.7 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor, but Lively missed 36 consecutive games, returning to the floor in April. He played in four regular-season games and Dallas' two Play-In Tournament contests in the final month of the 2024-25 campaign. In May, the Mavericks parted ways with several members of their athletic training staff after an injury-marred season, including head athletic trainer Dionne Calhoun and athletic performance director Keith Belton. Anthony Davis suffered an adductor strain in his first game as a Maverick, and he only played nine games after Dallas traded for him in February. The Mavericks' other midseason acquisition, Caleb Martin, played in 14 games with Dallas.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mavericks Issue Optimistic Kyrie Irving Update
Mavericks Issue Optimistic Kyrie Irving Update originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Last week, Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving offered an interesting statement about his timeline for a return to the court. Irving suffered a torn ACL in March of last season, then had surgery in April. Advertisement In an online stream, the superstar nine-time All-Star answered a question about whether he would be back for the playoffs next season, but Mavs fans weren't too enthusiastic about his response. "Don't hold your breath on that," Irving said. "It doesn't mean that I won't be back ... I don't want to make any predictions on when I'm going to be back. I just want to be 150 thousand percent better. "So I'm taking my time to really get healthy ... and really just enjoy this recovery process, man. It's not pretty. Yes, it's a beautiful struggle, but I go through the mental rollercoaster ride every day, just want to be back out there." Now Mavs general manager Nico Harrison is serving an update about Kyrie ... and one that's a little more digestible for fans. Advertisement "Kyrie is ahead of schedule, but we kind of knew he would be because of the way he attacks his rehab," Harrison said when being interviewed during the Mavericks' third Summer League game in Las Vegas, in which they lost to the Charlotte Hornets 87-69. "You know, he's going two or three times a day, but we don't want him to rush it as much as he wants to rush it. He's going to be fine." Irving was initially projected to return in January or February, but with Dallas' moves this offseason, the ball-handler can afford to wait until he is closer to full strength and confidence before coming back. Dallas signed stop-gap point guard D'Angelo Russell to a two-year free agency contract, presumably to fill Irving's spot in the starting lineup. The Mavericks also re-signed veteran guard Dante Exum to sure up the bench unit's offense. Advertisement An interesting development that will be followed next year is star rookie Cooper Flagg's potential to run the show from the point. The 6-9 forward has superb offensive skills for his age, providing massive upside for head coach Jason Kidd as another player available that can facilitate while Irving is out. The Mavericks' start to the season may be the biggest driving factor in Kyrie's return, as Dallas isn't a legitimate title contender until they bring back their near 25 point-per-game point guard. "Ahead of schedule" is a good update for now, but there is a long road to travel in Irving's "beautiful struggle." This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'Trades are Trades' - Ex-Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban defends GM Nico Harrison months after Luka Doncic trade controversy
Mark Cuban and Nico Harrison. Image via: Getty Images Even after saying that he wouldn't go for trading Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks' former owner seems to have turned the tables now. He has a completely different perspective on this trade. Months after trading their star player, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers, the news remains fresh, as people continue to discuss it to date. According to the Dallas Mavericks' General Manager, this deal is going to create an unbreakable bond between the two teams. However, after the trade, he received numerous criticisms and protests. Meanwhile, the Mavericks' minority owner, Mark Cuban , took to supporting Nico Harrison with his bold statement, sparking heated debates among the fans. Mark Cuban stands by GM Nico Harrison despite Luka Doncic deal backlash The Mavericks' minority owner, Mark Cuban, has definitely had some changes in his statements. He seemed to have two answers for the same question. Expressing his support and confidence in Nico Harrison, he said, 'Trades are Trades', justifying his actions. Even after strongly denying having traded Luka Doncic in the first place, things have changed lately in the big league. The deal had a detrimental impact on the team. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Soon after the trade, the Dallas Mavericks' star player, Kyrie Irving, suffered from a dreadful injury that tore his achilles. Now, the pressure seemed real as they fell short after this ominous series of events. After this, they also lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in the play-in round. However, they had their luck during the draft day as they got their hands on the very talented basketball draft, Cooper Flagg, as their No. 1 pick. 'Yeah for sure,' Cuban said. 'Trades are trades. I let Steve Nash go, and the whole town hated my ass for a long time. [Nash] goes and wins two MVPs and I got nothing back for him. Not every decision is one everyone's going to agree with, but there's a lot more to being a general manager. Particularly now with the new CBA and the second apron, trying to put together a team and being able to keep together a team is a lot harder.' Mark Cuban is openly referring to what one might see as one of the most controversial statements when he said that he let Steve Nash go. No matter the damage, Cooper Flagg's arrival has caused some sort of relief between the fans and Nico Harrison. Also read: NBA Rumors: LeBron James Trade Speculation Intensifies, But Rich Paul Sets The Record Straight For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
