Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont's first public comments about the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade provide some insight into why the franchise changed course and parted ways with the star.
"If you look at the greats in the league, the people you and I grew up with — (Michael) Jordan, (Larry) Bird, Kobe (Bryant), Shaq (O'Neal) — they worked really hard, every day, with a singular focus to win," Dumont said, according to Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News. "And if you don't have that, it doesn't work. And if you don’t have that, you shouldn't be part of the Dallas Mavericks.
"That's who we want. I'm unwavering on this. The entire organization knows this. This is how I operate outside of basketball. This is the only way to be competitive and win. If you want to take a vacation, don't do it with us."
Dumont added his perspective on how teams are able to compete for championships.
"In my mind, the way teams win is by focus, by having the right character, by having the right culture, and having the right dedication to work as hard as possible to create a championship-winning outcome. And if you're not doing that, you're going to lose," he said.
The Mavericks reportedly had concerns with Doncic's conditioning, along with unease about giving him a super-max contract, which led the franchise to trade him to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in February. Dallas acquired Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick for the 25-year-old.
Dumont said he sympathizes with all the fans who are hurt from the trade and considers Doncic a "Mav for life."
"I'm a big Luka fan. My family are big Luka fans. I have a really deep appreciation for what he brought to this team, what he brought to Dallas, and the excitement he brings. He's an electrifying player," said Dumont, who is the son-in-law of Mavericks majority owner Miriam Adelson.
