"He got you Cooper Flagg bruh": NBA Twitter slams Mavericks fans for "Fire Nico" chants at watch party for 2025 NBA draft

The Dallas Mavericks hosted an NBA draft party on Wednesday. Hours before the event, the nearly packed American Airlines Center reverberated with chants of “Fire Nico.” The trolling has been a consistent theme in Mavericks home games after team general manager Nico Harrison traded Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers in February.

Fans promptly reacted to the viral clip.

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One fan said:

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Another fan reacted:

The "Fire Nico" chants peaked when Luka Doncic returned to the American Airlines Center on April 10. Before the home team took on the LA Lakers in Doncic's first return to Dallas, the Mavs honored the Slovenian with a tribute video. After a standing ovation for Doncic, fans began blasting Harrison for trading the perennial MVP contender.

On Wednesday, the same chants opened the watch party. The vibe eventually changed when the Mavericks picked Cooper Flagg, the unanimous No. 1 prospect in the 2025 NBA draft.

Despite only a 1.8% chance of winning the 2025 NBA draft lottery, the Mavericks bucked the odds to get the No. 1 pick. Team supporters rejoiced in May after they got the first shot at getting Flagg, who many have predicted will reach peak Kawhi Leonard level.

Dallas Mavericks make Cooper Flagg the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft

In perhaps the only sure move in the 2025 NBA draft, Nico Harrison made Cooper Flagg the No. 1 pick. The former Duke superstar joins a team loaded with veteran talent that includes Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving. While AD and Thompson will be ready for next season, Irving could be out following surgery due to a torn ACL.

Mavs coach Jason Kidd is upbeat about Flagg's immediate impact on the team. Without Irving, the coach expects the rookie to contribute with his playmaking, defense and versatility.

Nico Harrison moved on from Luka Doncic in February. Four months later, he drafted the Slovenian's heir, who could help make the team contend for the championship.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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Edited by Michael Macasero