Tim McMahon’s full story on Luka’s Dallas departure now up on ESPN

Long story, worth reading for sure, but here’s the bulletpoints for folks needing a basic rundown:

Overview of Events:
• In August 2023, the Dallas Mavericks traveled to Springfield, MA to celebrate Dirk Nowitzki’s Hall of Fame induction.
• Days after the trip, Mavs GM Nico Harrison informed Casey Smith (Director of Health & Performance) via video call that he was being let go, despite Smith being in Ohio attending to his dying mother.

Casey Smith’s Firing and Fallout:
• Smith was seen as a trusted figure by Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic.
• His firing was reportedly due to being “too negative,” seen as not a “yes-man” to Nico.
• Many inside the organization believe Harrison felt threatened by Smith’s influence.
• Smith’s exit started a restructuring of the Mavs’ medical/performance staff, including the later firing of Jeremy Holsopple and Casey Spangler.

Consequences of Smith’s Departure:
• Dirk Nowitzki distanced himself from the franchise and stopped participating in team operations.
• Scott Tomlin, longtime VP of basketball communications and a close ally of Dirk and Luka, also resigned.
• The firings alienated Luka Doncic, whose relationship with the team began to unravel after Smith’s dismissal.

Tensions Between Medical Staff:
• Harrison hired Johann Bilsborough and Keith Belton to replace the prior team, but the two clashed from the beginning.
• Belton lacked required NBA strength coach certifications and was described as “a glorified cheerleader.”
• A heated confrontation between Bilsborough and Belton occurred over Dereck Lively’s injury mishandling.
• The dysfunction in the medical department led to multiple player injuries being aggravated or mismanaged.

Luka Doncic’s Role and Departure:
• Doncic’s performance team (including Javier Barrio Calvo and Anze Macek) clashed with Harrison’s new staff.
• Doncic never worked with Belton and had little trust in Bilsborough.
• Frustrations peaked over: 1) Disagreements on injury diagnoses and recovery timelines; 2) Harrison’s perception that Doncic had gained weight; 3) Disputes about whether Doncic should travel with the team or rehab in Dallas.

Other Notable Points:
• The new medical staff has been criticized by team insiders, with inconsistent communication and questionable player care.
• Jalen Brunson praised the former Mavs medical staff after leaving for the Knicks, who saw improved injury outcomes under Smith and Mau.
• Mark Cuban attempted to intervene on Luka’s behalf but had been sidelined from basketball operations by Harrison and new team governor Patrick Dumont.

LINK