Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison found himself in an unexpectedly awkward situation during the team’s end-of-season press conference on Monday afternoon. After addressing a series of tough questions about the controversial Luka Dončić trade and the team’s disappointing season, Harrison attempted to leave the room—only to discover that the door was locked.
The press conference was already fraught with tension, as Harrison faced scrutiny over his decision to trade franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in February. The move, which brought Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and future draft picks to Dallas, has been widely criticized by fans and analysts alike. Harrison defended his actions, emphasizing the importance of building a competitive roster and pointing to injuries as a major factor in the team’s struggles.
When asked directly whether he felt he should be removed from his position, Harrison remained composed, stating,
“I think I’ve done a really good job here, and I don’t think I can be judged solely based on the injuries this year. You have to look at the totality, from beginning to end.”
As the press conference concluded, Harrison attempted to exit the room, only to find that the door was locked. The mishap turned the tense atmosphere into an unintentionally comedic scene, with Harrison visibly flustered as he tried to open the door.
Nico Harrison tried leaving the press conference but the door was locked 😭 pic.twitter.com/OMZIDcGYF0
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) April 21, 2025
One commenter quipped,
“Gave away the keys to the franchise, how ironic,” while another joked, “That door played some great defense. Championship Time.”
While the locked door moment provided some levity, it also highlighted the intense scrutiny Harrison is under. Mavericks fans have been vocal in their dissatisfaction with the team’s direction, and every move Harrison makes—whether on or off the court—is being closely monitored.
As the Mavericks enter a crucial offseason, Harrison’s ability to navigate the challenges ahead will be key to restoring faith in the franchise. Whether the locked door incident becomes a metaphor for the obstacles he faces or simply a humorous footnote in his career remains to be seen.
