"We needed to start from scratch": Masai Ujiri takes responsibility for Jason Kidd's firing at the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are going through an internal revolution, and Masai Ujiri wasted no time in staking his claim. Just a day after the franchise announced the departure of Jason Kidd, the new team president and alternative governor appeared before the media to publicly take full responsibility for the decision.

“I think it’s fair to say this decision is mine,” stated Ujiri. “I don’t want to place this on any player or anyone else within the organization.”

The Canadian executive, the architect behind Toronto Raptors' historic championship in 2019, explained that he and the new general manager Mike Schmitz are deeply evaluating the entire franchise structure. In this context, Kidd's departure occurred, a move he described as “very, very difficult,” but he emphasized it was necessary for the project's future. Jason Kidd thus concludes a significant second stage in Dallas.

The Hall of Famer began his NBA career with the Mavericks after being drafted second overall in 1994. There, he won Rookie of the Year and played in his first of ten All-Star games. Years later, he returned to win an NBA title in the 2010-11 season as a player.

As a coach, Kidd previously led the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks before taking over Dallas in 2021. His best result came in the 2023-24 season when he led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals.

However, Ujiri believed the organization needed a profound change. “We needed clarity on where we are heading,” he explained. “Sometimes there were too many mixed things. We all have to work in the same direction on how to build this team and create a winning culture.”

The executive reiterated the same idea multiple times during his appearance: Dallas needed “a fresh start.” Ujiri denied that the decision was related to the franchise's recent past, especially the controversial trade involving Luka Doncic, an operation that continues to haunt the organization. He also dismissed any influence from Kidd's alleged interest in the position he ultimately took.

Irving and Flagg, the keys to the project

Meanwhile, the search for a new coach is already underway, though without a defined timeline. Ujiri assured that the process will be thorough. The new top sports executive did make clear what the core of the project will be: Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. Ujiri confirmed that he personally spoke with both players before informing Kidd of his dismissal.

Flagg, this season's Rookie of the Year, represents the future of the franchise at just 19 years old. Irving, a nine-time All-Star currently recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament tear, will be the big sporting question mark in the new project.

“Kevin Durant once told me that there is only one Kyrie walking the earth,” Ujiri shared. “We have to figure out how Kyrie fits into our program, and I spoke with him until yesterday. I believe he will fit in.”

Furthermore, the executive expressed great anticipation about seeing Irving and Flagg on the court together. “There is a lot of curiosity to see how Kyrie fits playing with Cooper Flagg. Cooper is an incredible talent, and I think this organization owes it to itself to verify it.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, “Necesitábamos empezar de cero”: Masai Ujiri asume la responsabilidad del despido de Jason Kidd en Dallas Mavericks