Harrison’s decision to fire Smith, and the way he did it, also drove Nowitzki away from the franchise that he proudly played for his entire career. Sources said Nowitzki, who describes himself as a “Mavs fan” now, opted to no longer be involved in the inner workings of the franchise’s basketball operations after Smith’s forced exit. Nowitzki had served as a senior adviser to Mark Cuban, frequently attending practices and providing input when he was in Dallas. Sources told ESPN that Smith’s ouster also prompted the departure of Mavs vice president of basketball communications Scott Tomlin, another two-decade employee of the franchise who was close with Smith, Nowitzki and Doncic, among others. Tomlin accepted an offer to become the executive director of the DN Companies and The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation. -via ESPN / April 21, 2025

As The Stein Line also reported in an April 7 piece, Casey Smith’s ouster is believed to be among the key factors that has contributed to team legend Dirk Nowitzki’s increasing distance from the franchise over the past two seasons. Smith worked closely with both Nowitzki and Mavericks coach Jason Kidd when they were players as well as with Kidd during his first two seasons as coach. Nowitzki still has an office at the team’s practice facility that he was given when named a special advisor to former Mavericks majority owner Mark Cuban, but it essentially sits dark. Neither Nowitzki nor Cuban was consulted by Harrison or new Mavericks majority owner Patrick Dumont before Dallas agreed to trade Dončić to the Lakers. -via marcstein.substack.com / April 21, 2025

Mark Cuban: Dirk is the Dallas Mavericks. Then, now and forever. No one should ever forget that. That statue will be here forever. Loyalty never fades away. Tomorrow night 15 guys will put on a Mavericks uniform. They will do everything they can to win. For themselves, each other and THE FANS. Our squad has busted their ass to fight through incredible adversity. They have my respect and support , should have everyone’s I am a Mavs fan. I will always love and cheer for everyone who puts on our uniform. Tomorrow night and how ever many games we have left this season and in every future season, whether I’m in the stands, in front of the TV, or following every play online, my heart and soul is committed to rooting for the Mavs to win. That will never change. I know fans are upset. But don’t be upset at the players. Support them. Root for them. Rally behind them. MFFL stands for Mavs Fan FOR LIFE #MFFL -via x.com / April 15, 2025