Mike Schmitz Named Mavs GM, Masai Ujiri Tabs Former ESPN Analyst to Replace Nico Harrison Six months after firing general manager Nico Harrison, the Dallas Mavericks have finalized their search for a new general manager. On Friday, team president Masai Ujiri announced the appointment of Mike Schmitz, a former Portland Trail Blazers assistant general manager and ESPN analyst, as the franchise’s new GM. Schmitz, who previously worked as an NBA draft analyst, will now oversee the team’s basketball operations following a tumultuous period marked by the controversial trade of star guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Ujiri praised Schmitz’s qualifications, calling him “one of the most respected evaluators and basketball minds in the NBA.” The team president highlighted Schmitz’s attributes as a “relentless work ethic,” “collaborative culture builder,” and his ability to “align every part of a basketball organization.” Ujiri emphasized the importance of Schmitz’s role in the Mavericks’ long-term vision, stating that the new GM would be “a major part of building something special in Dallas.” Schmitz’s hiring comes after the Mavericks named Ujiri team president and alternate governor on Monday. In a statement, Schmitz expressed his excitement about joining the franchise, calling it an “incredible opportunity.” He acknowledged the challenges ahead, including rebuilding trust with fans and improving the team’s performance. The Mavericks’ 26-56 record this season has made his task more difficult, particularly after the franchise’s disastrous decision to trade Doncic last season. The Doncic trade, orchestrated by Harrison, remains a defining moment in the team’s recent history. The move, which saw the Mavericks acquire star big man Anthony Davis in exchange for Doncic, backfired spectacularly.#luka_doncic #dallas_mavericks #anthony_davis #mike_schmitz #masai_ujiri
Ex-NBA Player Damon Jones Pleads Guilty in Major Gambling Case Involving Over 30 Arrests Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones became the first individual to plead guilty in a high-profile gambling investigation that led to the arrest of more than 30 people, including organized crime figures and other basketball professionals. The plea, entered on Tuesday in Brooklyn federal court, marks a significant development in a case spanning nearly two years, during which prosecutors allege Jones conspired to defraud sports betting companies using insider information. Jones, 49, admitted to conspiring with others to commit wire fraud by leveraging nonpublic details about NBA player injuries. He acknowledged in court that his actions violated the NBA’s code of conduct and the terms of service of sports betting platforms. The conspiracy, which prosecutors claim ran from December 2022 to March 2024, involved sharing sensitive information about injuries to star players, such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis, to influence betting outcomes. Jones stated in a prepared statement that he sincerely apologized to the court, his family, peers, and the NBA for his actions. The charges against Jones include a single count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a sentencing guideline range of 21 to 27 months in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 6 before Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall. As part of his plea agreement, Jones must forfeit $35,000 and comply with strict conditions, including a ban on gambling, restrictions on associating with organized crime figures, and requiring court approval for bank transfers exceeding $10,000 unless for legal fees.#lebron_james #nba #anthony_davis #damon_jones #brooklyn_federal_court
Mavericks Rookie's Breakout Exposes Deepening Shooting Crisis They Can't Ignore The Dallas Mavericks' rookie sharpshooter, John Poulakidas, delivered a 23-point performance against the Phoenix Suns, highlighting the team's urgent need to address its shooting woes. His 3-point shooting alone nearly secured a victory, as the Mavericks lost by five points despite seemingly tanking the game in the final quarter. The aftermath of Poulakidas' game-altering display underscores a critical flaw in the team's identity, one that could derail their chances of competing in the NBA playoffs. When the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, they pledged to prioritize size, rebounding, and defense as the foundation of their roster. The plan was to dominate the paint while becoming one of the league's premier defensive teams. However, this strategy came at a steep cost: the team sacrificed significant offensive firepower, particularly in the form of perimeter shooting. Three of Dallas' top players—Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford—were positioned as centers, none of whom could consistently knock down three-pointers. This decision has proven to be one of the worst missteps of the season, leaving the Mavericks in a precarious position. Currently, the Mavericks rank second-worst in the NBA in 3-pointers made per game, averaging just 10.8 field goals from beyond the arc. They also sit third-worst in 3-point percentage, at 34.1%. These numbers are a stark contrast to the team's aspirations of contending for a championship. Poulakidas' performance against the Suns served as a wake-up call, demonstrating how a single shooter can transform the trajectory of a game.#luka_doncic #dallas_mavericks #anthony_davis #nico_harrison #john_poulakidas
Anthony Davis Reflects on Departures from Lakers, Pelicans in Draymond Green Podcast Anthony Davis opened up about the end of his NBA careers with the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans during an episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” hosted by Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green. The 10-time All-Star, who recently joined the Washington Wizards after a contentious trade, detailed his frustrations with how both franchises handled his departures, emphasizing his desire for transparency and respect during transitions. Davis’s tenure with the Lakers, where he played alongside LeBron James and won a championship in 2020, ended abruptly in 2023 when he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster deal involving Luka Dončić. Despite the Lakers’ decision, Davis expressed confusion and disappointment over the lack of communication. “From the business standpoint, I can’t be mad. But, like, why? I just couldn’t fathom, I couldn’t understand it. And nobody told me nothing. Nobody said a thing to me. So you just catch me off guard, like, yeah, ‘You traded to Dallas,’” he recounted. He reiterated his belief that the Lakers should have provided more clarity, especially given his six-year contribution to the team and their championship success. “All the time I’ve been here — s*, I was there six years — all the time I’ve been here and all the time, we won a championship, all this stuff and I can’t get a phone call or a text to tell me, like, ‘Look, this is what we’re thinking,’” Davis said. While he acknowledged the trade’s logic from the Lakers’ perspective, he admitted to fantasizing about joining Dončić in Los Angeles after LeBron’s retirement. Davis’s departure from the Pelicans was equally abrupt.#los_angeles_lakers #golden_state_warriors #new_orleans_pelicans #draymond_green #anthony_davis
Golden State Warriors vs Washington Wizards injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (March 27, 2026) The Golden State Warriors face the Washington Wizards at Chase Center on March 27, 2026. The Warriors enter the matchup with a 35-38 record, sitting 10th in the Western Conference and still in the play-in race. The Wizards, meanwhile, are at 17-55 and 13th in the Eastern Conference, struggling to find momentum. Both teams are dealing with significant injury issues, though the Warriors maintain a more functional rotation compared to the Wizards, who face deeper roster challenges. The Warriors are missing several key players, including Stephen Curry (knee, season rehab), Jimmy Butler (season-ending knee injury), Moses Moody (season-ending knee injury), and Seth Curry (adductor). Al Horford (calf), Quinten Post (foot), and Malevy Leons (illness) are also sidelined. The active roster includes Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, Buddy Hield, Gui Santos, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Lester Quiñones. Podziemski and Kuminga are expected to handle most of the scoring, with Melton and Payton II providing support on both ends of the floor. The Wizards are missing Anthony Davis (finger), Trae Young (quadriceps), D’Angelo Russell (not with team), and Cam Whitmore (season-ending shoulder injury). Kyshawn George (elbow) and Alex Sarr (toe, expected to return on March 27) are questionable. Tristan Vukcevic (back), Tre Johnson (foot), and Bilal Coulibaly (heel) are also sidelined. The Wizards rely heavily on Bilal Coulibaly, Will Riley, Bub Carrington, Anthony Gill, and Jamir Watkins for minutes. Despite some players returning, depth remains a concern for Washington.#washington_wizards #golden_state_warriors #stephen_curry #chase_center #anthony_davis
Cade Cunningham injury update: Pistons star out for Wizards rematch The Detroit Pistons will be without star player Cade Cunningham for their upcoming matchup against the Washington Wizards on Thursday, March 19. Cunningham, who suffered a lower back contusion during the teams’ previous game, will miss the contest after exiting the first quarter of the Tuesday matchup. The injury occurred when Cunningham fell awkwardly with 6:40 remaining in the first quarter, forcing him to leave the game. Cunningham’s absence adds to the Pistons’ injury concerns, as he joins Isaiah Stewart on the sidelines. Stewart, dealing with a left calf strain, will miss his third consecutive game, further limiting the team’s depth. Daniss Jenkins is expected to step into Cunningham’s starting role, though the exact impact of the lineup change remains to be seen. The Wizards, meanwhile, face their own challenges. Trae Young, acquired at the trade deadline, is sidelined for the season, while Anthony Davis, another key addition, is also out for the year. Washington’s leading scorer, Alex Sarr, is listed as questionable after missing Tuesday’s game, leaving the team to navigate potential depth issues. Both teams have released injury reports focusing on their 15-man rosters. The Pistons’ report highlights Cunningham’s back contusion and Stewart’s calf strain, while the Wizards’ update notes Young’s season-ending injury and Davis’ absence. The matchups will likely test the resilience of both squads as they adjust to their respective injury situations.#washington_wizards #cade_cunningham #detroit_pistons #trae_young #anthony_davis
Dallas Mavericks Move On From Anthony Davis' Troubled Contract The Dallas Mavericks faced significant challenges in their front office operations, but recent trades and decisions have shifted their trajectory. Initially, the team was considered one of the worst in the NBA due to missteps like trading away star player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. This move, made under the leadership of former general manager Nico Harrison, marked a turning point for the franchise. Despite the initial struggles, the Mavericks had previously demonstrated a strong front office presence. They successfully acquired players like PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Klay Thompson to complement Doncic, took a calculated risk on Kyrie Irving, which paid off, and drafted Dereck Lively II in 2023—a promising young big man. However, the roster was built around Doncic, and Harrison’s decision to trade him for Davis ultimately led to complications. The experiment with Davis in Dallas was short-lived. The former Los Angeles Lakers center struggled to adapt, and his performance declined sharply. After being traded to the Washington Wizards last month, Davis has yet to make an impact with his new team. His time with the Mavericks was marked by limited playing time and inconsistent results. Davis’ contract, which will pay him $121 million over the next two seasons, has been labeled as one of the worst in the league. According to a recent ranking, it ranks sixth in terms of value. CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn highlighted the issues, noting that Davis has rarely played at his peak. Despite the media attention surrounding his trades, he has only appeared in 29 games for the Mavericks, averaging 20.2 points and 10.8 rebounds while the team posted a 16-13 record with him on the floor.#los_angeles_lakers #dallas_mavericks #anthony_davis #nico_harrison #klay_thompson
Mavericks' Trade of Anthony Davis Sparks Mixed Reactions Amid Rebuilding Efforts The trade of Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in 2024 marked a pivotal moment for the Dallas Mavericks, reshaping their roster and sparking debates about the decision’s long-term impact. The move followed a contentious 2023 trade that saw Luka Dončić sent to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Davis, an agreement that ultimately led to the firing of Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison. Davis, a 6-foot-10 defensive anchor with a reputation for inconsistency, had been acquired with high hopes to bolster the Mavericks’ new defensive identity. However, his career has been defined by recurring injuries, earning him the moniker “Day to Dayvis” for his frequent absences. During the 2024-2025 season, Davis missed 31 games out of an 82-game schedule, further undermining his value to the team. After Harrison’s dismissal, the Mavericks prioritized rebuilding, selecting Duke phenom Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This shift in focus prompted the front office to re-evaluate their roster, with Davis becoming a target for trade. The Wizards, embarking on a win-now strategy after acquiring Trae Young and Kyshawn George, emerged as a logical destination for Davis. In exchange for the veteran forward, the Mavericks received a mix of young talent and draft assets, including guards Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum, along with veteran forward Khris Middleton and developmental players A.J. Johnson and Malaki Branham. They also acquired Marvin Bagley III, a promising big man. The Wizards’ offer included three second-round picks and two first-rounders, with one of the first-rounders originating from the Oklahoma City Thunder and set to be available in the 2026 draft.#luka_doncic #washington_wizards #anthony_davis #mavericks #nico_harrison
The Anthony Davis trade hides a twist that could give Mavericks the last laugh When the Dallas Mavericks traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards ahead of the trade deadline, many media members and fans criticized the lack of talented young players or premium draft capital the Mavericks received in return. However, the value of the deal may not be as poor as initially perceived. The most coveted young player Dallas acquired was AJ Johnson, who has seen limited playing time since joining the team. Yet, the 2026 first-round pick the Wizards sent to Dallas via the Oklahoma City Thunder is often overlooked. This pick is expected to fall near the end of the first round, potentially as low as the 30th selection. The 2026 NBA draft class is considered one of the most talented since 2018, and the Mavericks could secure a solid contributor with a late first-round pick. Pairing this with their projected lottery selection in this year’s draft could position Dallas to address key needs. The 30th pick, while not a guaranteed All-Star caliber player, offers a chance to add depth to the roster. The Mavericks’ front office may find value in this range, especially with Daniel Gafford’s role with the team uncertain. The trade was primarily motivated by financial relief, but acquiring a role player who can contribute off the bench could shift the narrative surrounding the deal. While the chances of landing an elite player at this draft position are slim, the talent pool in 2026 makes it a viable option. The Mavericks could benefit from a late-first-round pick that develops into a reliable rotational player, improving their long-term outlook. Despite the potential upside, there is always risk in selecting a player at the 30th spot.#oklahoma_city_thunder #dallas_mavericks #washington_wizards #anthony_davis #aj_johnson
Zion Williamson's 35-game consecutive playing streak snapped Sunday after he sustained an ankle injury Zion Williamson's remarkable streak of playing in 35 consecutive games came to an end on Sunday following an ankle issue, marking the first time he has missed a game since December 14. The injury occurred during the second quarter of the previous game against the Utah Jazz, where Williamson rolled his ankle and was forced to exit the contest. This ended his longest stretch of uninterrupted appearances in his career, which had spanned 35 games. Fans' initial reactions to his absence were mixed, with many expressing surprise given his history of injuries. However, Williamson's streak was a significant achievement, as he had been in the lineup for every game since December 14. This season, he has appeared in 45 games, missing 17 due to hamstring and hip issues. Despite the setbacks, Williamson has remained a standout performer, averaging 21.5 points and 5.8 assists per game. His consistency has been a key factor in the Pelicans' success this season. Last year, he played in just 30 games, but the season prior saw him suit up for 70 contests, showcasing his ability to contribute when healthy. However, his injury history has sparked discussions about his long-term viability with the team. Speculation about a potential trade has intensified, with many analysts suggesting the Pelicans might explore options this offseason. Yet, the market for Williamson remains limited, similar to other high-profile players like Trae Young and Anthony Davis. His injury history and the remaining two years of his $87 million contract make him a high-risk, high-reward asset. While his talent is undeniable, the financial and health concerns could deter teams from pursuing a deal.#utah_jazz #trae_young #zion_williamson #pelicans #anthony_davis
