Nico Harrison and the Dallas Mavericks have faced ongoing ridicule ever since the shocking Luka Doncic Lakers trade sent the star to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis. This controversial move, which still draws criticism today, has now attracted a unique voice from pop culture.
Hank Hill, the lead character from the widely popular animated series King of the Hill, recently joined an online discussion to weigh in on the trade, adding fuel to the fan firestorm surrounding the decision.
Hank Hill Comments on Mavericks’ Luka Doncic Trade Decision
During an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit earlier this week, confirmed to be hosted by either Hank Hill’s voice actor or a show producer, a user asked Hill for his thoughts about the trade. Though Hill admitted he wasn’t a big basketball follower, favoring football instead, he shared his perspective on how the decision was handled.
In response, Hank Hill stated,
“Well, you’re right, I don’t really follow basketball as much as football. But I read all about that Luka Doncic trade, and to me it just seems like a textbook case of people in power completely disregarding what their constituents actually want.”
He also added a touch of humor reflecting on the emotions around the trade, saying,
“If I was ever in charge of making a decision that big—whether it’s trading a franchise player after seven years or, say, bringing one back after fifteen years—I’d like to think I wouldn’t just do it in such a brash and callous manner. Also Bobby told me to say ‘Fire Nico,’ but I’m not sure a man should lose his job over one mistake. I guess all I can really say about this is, ‘Got Dangit, Nico.’”
—Hank Hill, TV Character
While many Mavericks fans, including a character named Bobby mentioned by Hill, are clamoring for Nico Harrison’s dismissal, Hank Hill voices some hesitation about calling for termination due to a single error. Still, the trade’s consequences have been severe, reportedly costing the Mavericks more than a billion dollars in lost revenue, sponsorship deals, and ticket sales over the coming years. Fortunately for the franchise, they secured the number one pick in the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA Draft, selecting Cooper Flagg, an unexpected turn that has helped stabilize their future prospects.
Upcoming Showdowns Between Luka Doncic and the Mavericks
The NBA schedule released on Thursday announced four highly anticipated matchups between Luka Doncic’s new team, the Los Angeles Lakers, and his former squad, the Dallas Mavericks. The first meeting will take place in Los Angeles right after Thanksgiving and will be part of the NBA Cup Group Play. This game will challenge the Mavericks as it kicks off a back-to-back set for them.
The next three games are slated for January 24th, February 12th, and April 5th. The January contest in Dallas will be part of the NBA’s Rivals Week, intensifying the drama of this reunion. Meanwhile, the February game is positioned just before the All-Star break, building anticipation for a pivotal point in the season.
Additional Developments in the Mavericks’ Organization
In related news, the Lakers are bringing on a former Mavericks coach who earned numerous accolades during his tenure, reuniting once again with Luka Doncic. Meanwhile, the Mavericks officially selected Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a decision expected to revitalize the franchise. The upcoming Mavericks vs. Spurs matchup will also gain historical significance as it features both Flagg and Dylan Harper, further igniting fan excitement.
Another viral moment emerged recently in a game where a sequence involving Cooper Flagg and Bronny James captured widespread attention during the Mavericks and Lakers clash, highlighting the emerging talent on both sides.
Austin Veazey, who became the Lead Basketball Writer for NoleGameday in 2019 and began editing MavericksGameday in 2024, continues to provide comprehensive coverage of the Mavericks. Veazey’s background also includes a stint as Florida State Men’s Basketball Manager, grounding his insights with firsthand experience in college basketball.