Full press conference: Mavs President Masai Ujiri addresses team, Jason Kidd 'mutually parting ways'

[0:18] You're watching the Ultimate Dallas Sports Show, sponsored by Blue Nail Roofing. [0:23] And we welcome you inside the Ultimate Dallas Sports Show studios [0:26] as we get ready for an early edition of the show, [0:29] because Masai Ujiri will be coming to the podium here shortly [0:33] to address the departure of former head coach Jason Kidd. [0:39] It is officially being tabbed as a mutual departure, [0:42] a mutual decision between Kidd and the Mavs organization for Kidd to move on [0:47] and for the Dallas Mavericks to find themselves a new head coach. [0:50] And we will hear from the team president, Masai Ujiri, [0:52] here in just a couple of minutes to address everything that went into that decision [0:56] here just a couple of weeks after he was hired as team president [0:59] and how he went through the process of coming to this conclusion [1:02] that this was where they needed to go. [1:04] Yeah, we already knew it was going to be a busy offseason for him [1:06] because he not only has to worry about the draft [1:09] and then helping put together the roster based on how it stands now, [1:14] and now he's adding a coaching search to the mix. [1:16] So, going to be a busy man, but I think the biggest question people had was, [1:22] okay, does it make sense to do it now, [1:24] or did we expect this to come a little bit later on, [1:27] whether that be like after his whole first season, [1:30] you know, under this new regime, mid-season if things weren't going well. [1:34] The fact that they moved so swiftly I think tells you a lot about [1:38] where both parties stood. [1:39] And to Masai's point, what he said in his opening press conference of, [1:43] you know, this is a new era. [1:46] We're going to look at everything from top to bottom. [1:48] He's making good on his words so far. [1:51] Yeah, the dichotomy between his answer about Jason Kidd's future with the team [1:54] and Kyrie Irving's was night and day. [1:56] We all pointed it out on the day of his introductory press conference. [1:59] But additionally, when you look at the other reporting around, [2:02] Tim McMahon right around the same time saying Kidd wanted the team president [2:05] or was up for it to some degree, [2:07] which is nothing new for Jason Kidd in his career. [2:09] He's wanted more power of these organizations, [2:12] whether it was with Milwaukee or Brooklyn in both circumstances. [2:15] And he moved on from both in a similar fashion to some degree. [2:19] It's when you have that kind of, even if it's a potential friction point, right? [2:23] Like, hey, I didn't get that job, but now someone else is in that position. [2:28] There's always going to be something there. [2:30] Whether or not that's going to inform the entirety of the decision [2:33] and how things worked is still up. [2:35] I'm sure I'm very curious to see what Masai has to say to that degree. [2:38] But that was part of the rationale heading into this. [2:41] It's like he wanted to talk with Jason Kidd. [2:43] Clearly, whatever the results of that conversation were, [2:46] whether it was one-sided or two-sided, the result is Jason's no longer here. [2:50] Mike Leslie, Michelle Montaigne, Andrew Seeley at the big desk, [2:52] bringing you through the proceedings of Masai Ujiri's press conference [2:56] as the team president will address the departure of head coach Jason Kidd here [3:00] in just a matter of moments. [3:02] And yes, to both of your points, [3:03] this was kind of telegraphed when Masai Ujiri held his introductory press conference [3:08] and he talked about the fact that he was going to need to do [3:10] this comprehensive evaluation of the organization [3:13] before he made any sort of decisions in this space. [3:17] And it just felt like, [3:18] and Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram followed up with him, [3:21] like, that sounded like you're not really planning on keeping Jason Kidd around. [3:28] And Ujiri did a nice job of, you know, speaking in... [3:33] Obfuscating. [3:34] Delicating. [3:34] Yeah, on some level, yeah, probably, [3:37] to work his way through the answer and not make it a declarative statement [3:42] that he was doing any one thing. [3:44] But he left, obviously, the door open for himself to ultimately make this decision. [3:49] And again, it's being cast as a mutual decision. [3:53] And I imagine that there is some mutuality here, [3:55] just insofar as Jason Kidd wanted the team president role. [3:58] We'll go to Masai Ujiri right now. [4:00] He just sat down at the podium. [4:07] We do have our mic runners. [4:08] We have C over there. [4:10] We have Lauren right here. [4:11] Just ask you to raise your hand. [4:13] Masai's still getting to learn everybody in the market. [4:15] So please identify yourself and who you're representing. [4:19] We'll open it up in just a moment. [4:20] But without further ado, Masai, would you like to kick things off for us? [4:23] Yes, thank you. [4:25] Tough day for us yesterday. [4:27] Thank you for everybody coming out. [4:33] Jason Kidd, Hall of Famer, incredible player. [4:39] What he's done for this organization, we truly respect. [4:43] This was a very, very tough decision. [4:46] And we had great conversations with Jason Kidd. [4:51] And I really thank him, his family. [4:55] I know these things are tough. [4:58] And I know he'll go on to do great things. [5:03] And the ultimate respect from the whole organization, [5:08] from top to bottom. [5:11] I have to be in this position where we build a basketball program [5:16] where we align on a direction in which we go, [5:23] build structure, build a vision here [5:27] where we all want to work in one direction [5:32] to build a winning team. [5:35] And this was a tough decision to make [5:39] after spending a couple weeks [5:41] really digging into the operations [5:45] of this basketball team. [5:50] We're going to start a comprehensive search [5:53] for a head coach. [5:55] And we really look forward to that. [5:58] And we will start that process. [6:01] We're going to be intentional. [6:03] We're going to be really digging into [6:07] the philosophies of the kind of players we have [6:11] and how we want to build around a player like Cooper Flagg [6:17] and a dynamic player in Kyrie Irving, [6:21] the young players we have and growing in this organization [6:27] and winning this sport, this game is about winning. [6:32] And we all want to focus on this direction. [6:35] So I thank everybody for coming out. [6:40] I have to be accountable, you know, [6:42] like with a decision like this. [6:45] And I have to also be very, very active [6:51] in how I look at the all organization [6:54] from top to bottom. [6:55] So I guess I'll open that up to questions. [6:58] We'll open up to the end of the world first. [7:02] We'll go to Mac, then to Mike. [7:03] So we'll go right here to Mac, [7:05] and then over here to Mike. [7:06] Go ahead, Mac. [7:06] Mac Engle, Fort Worth Star-Telegram. [7:08] What did you come to the conclusion of [7:12] in your conversations with Jason Kidd [7:14] that you felt ultimately like [7:16] he was not the best fit [7:18] for this franchise moving forward? [7:20] I think, you know, when you look at [7:22] when you gather information, [7:25] you know, I don't want to put blame [7:27] on anything that I do [7:30] in making this decision. [7:32] And a lot of the conversations I had [7:35] with Jason, you know, [7:37] I think will stay between us. [7:40] For me, it was really thinking about [7:43] the future of this team, [7:45] the structure, [7:47] maybe taking a lot of information, [7:50] you know, like of some of the things [7:52] that I think were beneficial [7:54] to build a team. [7:57] And, you know, being transparent [7:58] with everybody, [8:00] I think a new slate [8:01] was a good way to look at this [8:05] because I feel [8:07] sometimes in this organization [8:10] we needed kind of clarity [8:12] in where we're going [8:13] rather than sometimes [8:16] lots of things in the mix. [8:21] We need to really work [8:22] in one direction [8:24] in how we build this team [8:27] and how we create winning. [8:29] And that's kind of how I looked at it, [8:32] just going forward [8:33] and building winning. [8:35] Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News. [8:40] Hi, Mike. [8:41] How much did you consult [8:42] with Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving [8:44] when making a decision like this [8:46] and what were some of the things [8:47] they shared with you? [8:48] You know, I talked to them, [8:49] but this decision is not, [8:51] to be honest, [8:52] is not on them. [8:53] I think these guys have [8:55] incredible relationships [8:57] with Chasing Kidd, [8:58] you know, [8:58] and they've communicated well with him. [9:03] They've communicated very, [9:04] very well with me, [9:06] but I think it's very fair [9:09] to say this decision is on me. [9:11] You know, [9:12] I don't want to put that [9:13] on any player [9:14] in any way. [9:17] And nobody else, [9:18] you know, [9:19] like in this organization. [9:20] Me and Mike [9:21] have to really sit down [9:23] and look at this organization [9:26] from top to bottom. [9:28] That includes talking to players [9:30] and building a relationship [9:32] with Cooper [9:33] and known Kyrie for a while, [9:36] you know, [9:37] like, [9:37] and there are conversations [9:38] with them [9:39] so they feel comfortable [9:40] and I have to explain things [9:43] to all the players, [9:45] you know, [9:45] on these decisions [9:46] that we make. [9:48] But, yeah, [9:48] this decision was solely here [9:51] and I take responsibility [9:52] for it. [9:56] Hey, Miss, [9:56] I'm Christian Clark [9:57] with The Athletic. [9:58] I think the two coaches [10:00] you hired in Toronto, [10:01] Nick and Darko, [10:02] were first-time NBA coaches. [10:05] How much will previous experiences [10:07] as NBA head coach [10:08] be a factor in this search [10:10] or not be a factor? [10:11] Yeah, [10:11] it's an open search, [10:13] you know, [10:13] like it just happened [10:14] that at that time [10:16] we thought [10:17] these were the best candidates. [10:19] One of them was in-house, [10:21] which was Nick Nurse [10:22] and the other was [10:23] first-time head coach [10:24] with Darko. [10:27] So, [10:27] I think our minds [10:29] are very open. [10:30] We're going to look everywhere. [10:32] No stone. [10:33] Every stone unturned, [10:35] you know, [10:35] turned [10:36] and we will really, [10:37] we will really, [10:38] really look at [10:39] what's best [10:42] for this organization, [10:44] be it first-time, [10:45] be it experienced, [10:47] be it college, [10:48] be it European, [10:50] you know, [10:50] everywhere. [10:51] Be it experienced head coach, [10:53] whatever is best [10:54] for this organization [10:55] going forward [10:56] is what we are going to look at [10:57] and it's going to be [10:58] very comprehensive. [11:01] Hi, Miss Saeed. [11:02] Jonah Javai with WFAA. [11:04] Hi, Jonah. [11:04] I just want to clarify here. [11:05] So, [11:06] have you spoken [11:06] with any potential candidates [11:08] as you get this search going? [11:09] Are there any guys [11:10] you have in mind? [11:12] I have. [11:12] And just to follow up [11:13] on that real quick, [11:14] to make this type of decision [11:16] without having somebody [11:17] already in place [11:19] or maybe a couple of candidates, [11:21] why do you feel like [11:21] that was a prudent move [11:22] to part ways with Jason? [11:25] Yeah, [11:25] I've not spoken to anybody. [11:27] That would be disrespectful, [11:28] I think, [11:28] you know, [11:29] like to Jason. [11:30] I would never ever do that [11:31] to any coach [11:32] or in any position [11:34] that I'll be. [11:35] I want to make that [11:36] very, very clear. [11:37] You know, [11:37] like there's not one person [11:39] that has gotten [11:39] a phone call from me. [11:43] And secondly, [11:44] you know, [11:45] I think we are confident [11:47] in what we know. [11:48] You know, [11:48] like it's not my first time, [11:50] you know, [11:50] like in this space. [11:52] We know some of the people [11:53] out there. [11:54] You study this. [11:56] In these jobs, [11:57] to me, [11:57] there are things [11:58] that you have to prepare [11:59] for every time. [12:00] It doesn't matter [12:01] what the situation is, [12:02] whether it's going good, [12:04] whether it's going bad, [12:05] whether you're evaluating. [12:06] As leaders, [12:07] we always have to be prepared. [12:09] And I believe [12:10] we will be prepared for this. [12:13] You mentioned, [12:14] you said new slate. [12:16] Was one of the contributing factors [12:18] in this decision [12:19] was the fact that he was, [12:21] Jason had, [12:22] I guess, [12:24] a role in the Luka Doncic trade [12:26] and the best way [12:27] to move forward [12:28] was to [12:29] move on [12:31] from those key figures [12:32] who were part of that trade. [12:35] Honestly, [12:35] like that trade [12:37] has played no part [12:38] in like how [12:39] I have thought about, [12:42] you know, [12:42] like anything. [12:43] These decisions were made, [12:45] you know, [12:45] like before. [12:46] I'm in no position [12:47] to criticize [12:49] or blame [12:50] or even, [12:52] you know, [12:53] like really investigate, [12:55] you know, [12:55] like some of the things [12:56] that happened then. [12:58] I've said it very [12:59] and I've made it very clear. [13:01] It's something that [13:02] we have to find healing [13:04] and move from. [13:05] And that's my job, [13:06] you know, [13:07] like I have to be [13:07] that transition [13:08] from where we are [13:11] as an organization, [13:12] as fans, [13:13] as media, [13:14] as anything you want. [13:15] We have to figure out a way, [13:18] you know, [13:18] like to slowly move on [13:19] from this. [13:20] And I have to hold, [13:21] you know, [13:22] like myself accountable [13:23] for doing this. [13:26] And so, [13:26] no, [13:27] it did not play any part, [13:29] you know, [13:30] like in how [13:30] I thought about [13:32] this [13:33] and making this decision. [13:37] MSI, [13:37] Christian Clark, [13:38] next summer, [13:39] you guys will owe [13:41] your first round pick [13:41] to the Hornets [13:42] unless it falls [13:43] in the top two. [13:44] And, [13:45] you know, [13:46] the pick situation, [13:47] I think after this year, [13:48] you don't control [13:48] your own first round pick [13:49] again outright [13:50] until 2031. [13:52] My question is, [13:53] how much does [13:54] the future pick situation, [13:57] how much you guys [13:57] discuss that [13:58] and how much will [13:58] that influence [13:59] kind of the moves [14:00] you make over the next [14:01] few weeks and months [14:02] here as you continue [14:03] to build around Cooper? [14:05] We're going to begin [14:06] all our strategy meetings [14:08] and talking about [14:09] all this stuff, [14:10] you know, [14:10] like as the trade, [14:12] sorry, [14:12] as the draft [14:13] looms here. [14:15] Every decision [14:16] we are going to make [14:17] here is going [14:18] to be future-based. [14:19] We have a 19-year-old [14:21] generational player [14:22] on our roster [14:23] and we have to think, [14:25] you know, [14:25] like that way. [14:26] So, [14:26] we're not going to make [14:27] decisions based on [14:29] winning today. [14:30] You know, [14:31] like I don't think [14:31] that would make sense [14:32] for the organization [14:34] and honestly, [14:35] like while looking at it, [14:36] like this is, [14:38] what is our future [14:39] going to look like? [14:40] What is winning [14:41] going to look like? [14:42] What is, [14:42] how is this organization [14:43] going to be built? [14:45] What is the structure? [14:46] What is the vision? [14:47] You know, [14:47] like how are we all aligned? [14:49] You know, [14:50] like moving in the right direction [14:52] and it's the whole departments, [14:54] you know, [14:54] in this organization [14:56] from medical [14:57] to coaching [14:57] to scouting [14:58] to development [14:59] to everything [15:00] you can possibly think of. [15:02] We are, [15:04] in the last two weeks, [15:05] have continued [15:06] to really, [15:07] really like evaluate this. [15:08] Yeah, [15:08] so everything you've said, [15:10] I know I've answered it [15:11] from a general perspective, [15:14] we are looking [15:15] at the future. [15:16] We have a 19-year-old [15:17] on this team, [15:18] you know, [15:18] like that can take us [15:20] somewhere great. [15:21] We have to think that way. [15:26] Rashad Miller, [15:27] Dallas Weekly. [15:28] How you doing, Rashad? [15:29] How you doing? [15:29] How you doing? [15:30] First off. [15:32] How you doing again? [15:34] How you doing again? [15:34] In your introductory pressure, [15:39] you talked about [15:40] sustaining winning habits. [15:42] Yes. [15:43] Just what are some [15:44] of the other factors [15:44] you're looking for in a coach [15:46] and what are some other [15:46] personnel changes [15:47] you may be looking to shift? [15:49] Yeah, [15:50] it's really, [15:51] you know, [15:51] what this coach's philosophy [15:55] is going to be, [15:56] building around, [15:57] you know, [15:57] the kind of players we have, [16:00] especially, [16:01] you know, [16:01] like I mentioned again, [16:02] in a player like Cooper Flagg. [16:06] Everything you look at in, [16:08] I think, [16:10] whether it's discipline, [16:12] whether it's accountability, [16:13] whether it's vision, [16:15] whether it's style of play, [16:17] has nothing to do with [16:19] what was going on in the past. [16:21] You know, [16:21] like these are just things [16:23] that we dig into, [16:25] you know, [16:25] like when we look at [16:27] these kind of coaches, [16:30] you have to look at [16:31] how you're adjusting, [16:32] you know, [16:33] like we've all been [16:33] watching these games [16:34] in the playoffs. [16:38] Yeah, [16:38] we want to be part [16:39] of those games. [16:40] We don't want to watch, [16:41] we want to play. [16:43] And, [16:43] however, [16:45] we're being innovative [16:46] in building our team. [16:48] This game changes every day. [16:51] Yeah, [16:51] that's a fact. [16:52] And we have to consider that. [16:55] Come on. [17:01] I'm sorry. [17:02] That's Eddie Sefko. [17:05] Come on, man. [17:05] That's Eddie Sefko. [17:06] Come on, man. [17:07] Is the clock ticking on this hire? [17:09] I mean, [17:09] do you have a timeline [17:10] that you see you want [17:11] to have somebody on the job [17:13] in X number of days [17:14] or before the draft [17:15] or whatever? [17:15] We are going to do [17:17] a comprehensive search, [17:18] you know, [17:19] like I can get the right person, [17:21] Eddie. [17:21] I don't know how long, [17:22] sometimes you don't know [17:23] how long that takes [17:25] in this whole process. [17:28] But, [17:28] yeah, [17:29] the process starts, [17:30] our mind starts working, [17:32] you know, [17:32] like we build this system [17:35] or way of how [17:36] we want to figure out [17:37] a list of prospects [17:41] or candidates for this. [17:44] And I don't think [17:46] there is a timeline right now, [17:48] you know, [17:49] but it's something [17:49] we really want to get done [17:52] the right way. [17:56] And Ron Arad, DLS Sports. [17:58] Hi, Ron. [17:59] Nice to see you again, Masai. [18:00] It's been reported [18:01] that Jason K. wanted the team [18:03] president job. [18:04] How did that factor [18:05] into this decision? [18:08] No, no factor, [18:10] you know, [18:10] like I heard those things. [18:13] I discussed with Jason [18:15] and he was incredibly honest, [18:19] you know, [18:19] like about those things. [18:21] And for me, [18:23] I would leave those conversations [18:24] that me and Jason had. [18:29] But, yeah, [18:30] with me, [18:31] there's no, [18:32] I didn't look at that [18:33] in every way. [18:35] I'm comfortable, [18:36] you know, [18:36] with what I do [18:38] and who I am [18:39] in this position. [18:40] and the direction [18:43] I've been given [18:44] with ownership [18:45] in where this team [18:47] should be going, [18:49] you know. [18:49] So, [18:50] no, [18:50] that really didn't [18:52] play a part [18:53] to how [18:55] I was thinking of this [18:57] because even if [18:58] it was the other side [19:00] where he was staying here, [19:03] I would have been [19:04] very comfortable, [19:04] you know, [19:05] like with Jason [19:06] especially after [19:07] the two weeks [19:08] I had with him. [19:09] We had an incredible time, [19:12] really communicated [19:13] and came to this decision. [19:21] Hi, Mike Ducey, [19:22] Fox 4. [19:23] Kind of a follow-up there, [19:24] I guess. [19:24] How much influence [19:26] do you think a head coach [19:26] should have [19:27] in terms of player personnel [19:28] or player acquisition? [19:29] I think they should, [19:32] you know, [19:32] like they should take part [19:33] in how we select [19:36] these players [19:37] because at the end [19:38] of the day [19:39] they are the ones [19:40] coaching these guys. [19:43] We are the ones [19:44] that do all the work [19:45] with the background [19:46] and go and really search [19:48] on the type of players [19:50] that we're going [19:52] to work with. [19:53] You know, [19:53] it's not the coach's job. [19:55] He's focused on the games [19:57] and winning games. [19:59] But, yeah, [20:00] I think big decisions, [20:03] players you bring, [20:05] types of players you bring, [20:07] their style of play, [20:09] sometimes their personalities, [20:11] you know, [20:12] like we have to even [20:14] bring those, [20:15] you know, [20:16] like in front of coaches [20:18] to say, [20:19] hey, [20:20] here is all the information [20:21] about this player [20:23] and this is the kind [20:26] of player he is [20:27] or the kind of person [20:28] or all the necessary information. [20:31] So, yeah, [20:31] coach plays a part, [20:33] but we do the heavy lifting [20:34] with this. [20:41] Who's calling your, [20:43] come on, man. [20:45] Who's calling your iPad, man? [20:49] FaceTime. [20:51] Hmm? [20:52] Yeah, I'm kidding, man. [20:56] Skyter Dixon with the AP. [20:59] Obviously, Cooper sort of [21:01] tops the list [21:02] of what you're building around, [21:03] but it seemed [21:04] from our point of view [21:05] that Jason and Kyrie [21:06] were a good fit [21:07] and I just wonder [21:09] from your point of view [21:10] how important is Kyrie [21:12] in this process [21:13] in terms of, [21:14] you know, [21:15] a coach that might help him, [21:18] you know, [21:18] be a good fit for him, [21:19] those kinds of things. [21:21] You know, [21:22] Kevin Durant once told me [21:26] that there's only one Kyrie [21:28] walking around in the world. [21:32] Yeah, [21:32] I think we have to figure out a way, [21:34] you know, [21:35] like to, [21:36] you know, [21:37] how Kyrie fits [21:38] with our program [21:40] and I've had those conversations [21:42] with Kyrie [21:43] up till yesterday [21:45] and I think Kyrie will fit. [21:47] You know, [21:48] as I said it before, [21:49] there's a huge curiosity [21:50] in our minds [21:52] to see how Kyrie fits [21:54] playing with Cooper Flagg. [21:56] He's just that [21:57] kind of like [21:58] an incredible talent [21:59] and player [22:00] and I think [22:01] we owe that organization [22:03] and we owe this organization [22:04] that I'm sorry [22:06] that it could not happen [22:08] with Jason Kidd. [22:11] He has the ultimate respect, [22:13] I think, [22:14] for Jason Kidd. [22:14] I'm not even going to speak [22:16] for Kyrie [22:17] and relationship, [22:18] you know, [22:18] like, [22:19] and I take responsibility [22:20] for this decision, [22:23] but my goal [22:24] is to put him [22:25] in a place [22:25] where he's successful here. [22:28] There have been reports [22:35] about Matt Riccardi [22:36] not coming back. [22:38] Can you confirm that [22:39] and can you address [22:40] maybe what Michael Finley's role [22:42] might or might not be? [22:46] We, [22:47] yes, [22:49] Michael, [22:49] Matt Riccardi [22:51] will not be back. [22:52] We had this conversation. [22:53] He's been incredible too [22:55] in this process. [22:57] Really helped us [22:57] get to this, [23:00] get to this point. [23:02] I think Matt [23:03] would do great, [23:04] you know, [23:05] wherever [23:06] he goes. [23:10] I hold [23:11] Matt's standards [23:13] here [23:13] and I have [23:15] Mike Schmidt [23:16] here [23:17] and I feel [23:18] with hiring [23:20] other people [23:21] and a couple [23:22] other people [23:23] that we will bring [23:23] into the organization, [23:25] you know, [23:25] like it's, [23:26] I don't want [23:27] to disrespect anybody [23:29] to create [23:31] redundancy [23:32] or duplication, [23:33] you know, [23:34] and we respectfully [23:35] had that conversation [23:36] with Matt [23:37] and I think [23:38] he'll be great. [23:39] You know, [23:40] he did an incredible job [23:41] here, [23:43] especially with the trade. [23:44] You know, [23:45] like I really acknowledge [23:46] that, [23:47] you know, [23:47] and I think [23:47] the future is so bright [23:49] for him, [23:50] but I didn't want to create [23:52] any duplication here [23:53] or going forward. [23:55] So, [23:55] very positive [23:56] about Matt [23:58] and him moving forward. [24:02] Along the same lines [24:03] with Jason's coaching staff, [24:05] do you anticipate [24:06] any of them [24:07] returning next year? [24:08] Is that going to be [24:08] up to the next coach? [24:09] There could be a couple, [24:12] I think. [24:12] We've kept a couple coaches [24:14] who are going to help us [24:15] with the transition [24:16] in this period. [24:20] You know, [24:20] like so, [24:21] we have to do that [24:22] as an organization [24:23] and Jason Kidd [24:25] was aware of that [24:27] and this couple coaches [24:28] are aware of that, [24:29] you know, [24:29] and we move forward. [24:31] This is how these things work. [24:34] We have to keep this train [24:35] kind of moving [24:36] as we go [24:38] and that would be, [24:39] I think, [24:39] the decision [24:40] of the new head coach. [24:41] To clarify, [24:43] will Michael Finley [24:43] be back next season? [24:45] I'm discussing with Michael, [24:47] you know, [24:47] on roles [24:49] and how he wants [24:51] to fit in [24:52] in this organization. [24:53] He has, [24:54] I think, [24:56] run an incredible [24:57] scouting process [24:59] and department here [25:01] and we continue [25:03] to work with Mike [25:04] and we will discuss [25:05] whatever role, [25:07] you know, [25:07] like this appropriate [25:08] for him [25:09] and we all see fit, [25:11] you know, [25:11] like going forward [25:12] if he wants [25:13] to continue with us. [25:19] Hey, Masai, [25:19] quick two-parter for you. [25:21] One. [25:22] Yeah, [25:22] yeah, the two-part guy. [25:23] He's in the two-part. [25:24] I love two-parters. [25:25] Two-part Jonah. [25:26] That's what I'm gonna start calling. [25:28] It's fine. [25:29] It'll make me memorable. [25:30] No, [25:31] first off, [25:32] we haven't really had [25:33] many public comments [25:34] from you about [25:34] your hiring of Mike Schmitz. [25:37] Can you just kind of [25:37] detail why you thought [25:39] he was the right guy [25:40] to bring into the fold [25:41] and maybe your backstory [25:41] with him [25:42] and if you can kind of [25:44] elaborate on that [25:45] a little bit for us. [25:45] That guy standing over there, [25:46] that guy? [25:48] Do I know him? [25:48] Do you want to come up? [25:49] Do you want to? [25:49] Now, Mike Schmitz is [25:52] an incredible fire for us, [25:54] you know, [25:54] like I appreciate Portland [25:56] letting us, [25:58] you know, have him. [25:59] Not only his work there, [26:00] but I've worked with him [26:02] how many years [26:04] in this league, [26:05] scouring, scouting, [26:07] you know, [26:07] like the whole world, [26:09] you know, [26:09] and whether it's in Uganda [26:11] or Russia [26:12] or Serbia [26:13] or South America, [26:14] we've been all over the world, [26:17] you know, [26:17] like together. [26:18] And I truly, [26:19] truly appreciate that [26:20] because you see [26:21] the basketball mind, [26:23] you see the strategy, [26:24] you see the people relationships, [26:27] you know, [26:27] you see the respect, [26:29] you know, [26:29] like for an organization [26:31] and you see the focus [26:33] of winning, [26:34] you know, [26:34] like the focus on direction. [26:36] And for me, [26:38] it was an incredible fit, [26:40] you know, [26:40] like because you have to build that [26:42] in your front office, [26:44] whether it's values, [26:46] whether it's loyalty, [26:47] whether it's treating our staff, [26:50] you know, [26:50] like with respect [26:51] and setting a tone. [26:53] Mike has been everything, [26:54] you know, [26:55] that with that. [26:57] He is the GM [26:58] of the Dallas Mavericks [26:59] and we're going forward [27:00] to win [27:02] in this organization [27:03] and super aligned, [27:05] super, [27:05] super happy, [27:06] you know, [27:06] like to have him [27:07] in this organization. [27:08] So I know I haven't [27:10] spoken about this, [27:11] so I appreciate [27:12] your two-part question. [27:14] Yes. [27:16] Part two. [27:17] What are you looking for [27:19] specifically [27:19] in the next head coach [27:20] of the Dallas Mavericks [27:21] and how much of an effect [27:23] do you think Cooper Flagg [27:24] and Kyrie Irving [27:25] will play [27:26] in bringing that head coach [27:28] to town [27:29] just because [27:29] of their talent [27:30] and skillability? [27:33] Again, [27:34] when you start [27:34] describing these things, [27:35] I want to make it clear [27:36] to everybody, [27:38] you know, [27:38] like people now [27:39] start putting it on, [27:40] you know, [27:40] like the coach [27:42] that was here before [27:43] and they start, [27:44] it's not that. [27:45] Yes. [27:46] I want to make it clear [27:47] to everybody, [27:48] it's not about that, [27:49] you know, [27:50] like whatever I'm describing. [27:52] What you're describing [27:52] is not getting a shot [27:54] at JCP. [27:55] Correct. [27:56] You know, [27:56] like I want to make sure, [27:58] you know, [27:58] that people get that right. [28:01] It's all the things [28:02] you want in a head coach, [28:03] you know, [28:04] like his leadership, [28:05] his vision, [28:06] his creativity, [28:06] his working with people, [28:08] you know. [28:08] We have this player here, [28:10] you know, [28:11] like I think actually [28:12] Jason Kidd [28:12] took one of the biggest risks, [28:15] you know, [28:15] like in putting the ball [28:17] in Cooper Flagg's hands, [28:19] which was, [28:20] ended up being [28:21] an incredible decision, [28:23] a great decision to make. [28:25] So, [28:26] while looking for all of that, [28:28] you know, [28:28] like in a head coach, [28:29] you know, [28:29] like we just needed [28:30] a clean slate [28:31] to go forward, [28:33] you know, [28:33] like and so [28:34] I'm not saying qualities, [28:36] you know, [28:37] like that somebody else [28:38] did not have. [28:39] Yeah, [28:40] we want incredible philosophy, [28:42] coaching style, [28:44] how you relate [28:45] to all our players, [28:46] how you treat [28:47] this organization, [28:49] how you move forward [28:50] in this organization [28:52] with the mindset, [28:54] you know, [28:55] like of winning. [28:56] Yeah, [28:56] this is very, [28:57] very important [28:57] for us [28:59] in this person [29:00] we're hiring. [29:03] Competitiveness, [29:03] you know, [29:04] like you have to be competitive [29:06] in this league. [29:07] Are you seeing [29:07] what's going on? [29:08] You know, [29:09] like, [29:09] and by the way, [29:10] two young coaches, [29:11] you know, [29:12] like that, [29:13] incredible minds, [29:14] you know, [29:15] like just fighting [29:16] for the Western Conference Finals [29:20] or on the other side, [29:21] you know, [29:22] two experienced coaches, [29:23] you know, [29:24] who are fighting [29:25] for the Eastern Conference Finals. [29:27] This is what this league [29:28] has become. [29:30] Yeah, [29:30] it's a fight, [29:31] you know, [29:32] like, [29:32] and we have to learn [29:33] in here [29:34] that it's not [29:36] in here anymore. [29:37] Yes, [29:38] I'm going to make that [29:39] clear and clean [29:40] and how we go, [29:41] you know, [29:41] like the fight is out there. [29:43] Yeah, [29:43] the fight is with those [29:44] 29 other teams, [29:46] you know, [29:46] like that's where [29:47] we're trying to be [29:48] playing today. [29:49] Yeah, [29:49] we're trying to kick [29:50] their butts [29:50] the same way [29:51] they are kicking [29:52] our butts. [29:53] Yeah, [29:53] the kind of person [29:54] we're bringing here [29:55] is that mindset, [29:57] you know, [29:57] of trying to win [29:58] and moving [30:00] in that direction. [30:02] And we're all [30:03] going to be focused [30:04] on that, [30:05] spoken to your organization. [30:06] We all have to have [30:08] a united front [30:09] and think the same way. [30:10] And we're going [30:11] to continue [30:12] to build this team [30:13] to think like that. [30:14] So have patience [30:15] with us, [30:16] you know, [30:16] like we're going [30:16] to get there, [30:17] but just know [30:18] that we're all [30:19] going to communicate [30:20] with you, [30:21] with the fans, [30:22] with the media, [30:23] the right way, [30:24] the appropriate way, [30:26] be transparent [30:26] in how we deal [30:28] with these things. [30:29] And I am going [30:30] to sit here [30:30] and take responsibilities [30:32] for any of the decisions [30:33] we are going to make. [30:34] It's not about [30:35] being defensive. [30:36] It's not about being [30:37] any, [30:38] we're just going [30:39] to have a vision here [30:40] that we are going [30:41] to follow. [30:42] Yeah, [30:42] so this is very [30:43] important for us. [30:46] Thank you. [30:47] Thanks, everyone. [30:47] Thank you. [30:48] Thank you, guys. [30:51] Thank you. [30:53] Masai Ujiri [30:54] walking off the podium [30:55] after a roughly [30:57] 26-minute press conference [30:59] talking about [31:00] the departure [31:00] of Jason Kidd [31:01] as their head coach. [31:03] A lot to unpack [31:04] about what he had [31:05] to say over the course [31:06] of this last half hour [31:07] or so, [31:08] but very clearly [31:09] he wants to be [31:10] deferential [31:11] and respectful [31:12] of those who came [31:13] before him, [31:14] not just Jason Kidd, [31:15] but also Nico Harrison. [31:16] We saw that [31:16] in his introductory [31:17] press conference, [31:18] and that theme [31:19] was peppered [31:19] through this press [31:20] conference as well, [31:21] but also very clearly [31:22] he feels like [31:23] it is time [31:24] to move on, [31:24] to move forward, [31:25] to divorce themselves [31:27] from the Luka Doncic trade, [31:28] even though he won't [31:29] specifically criticize that. [31:31] He talks about it [31:32] as something that [31:32] they need to heal from [31:33] and move on from [31:34] and move toward [31:35] the future together, [31:36] and he said, [31:37] it's my job to be [31:38] that transition, [31:39] and we just saw [31:41] the latest step [31:41] in that process [31:42] over the course [31:43] of the last, [31:43] whatever it's been, [31:44] 18 hours or so [31:45] since we found out [31:46] about this. [31:47] You think about [31:48] the juxtaposition [31:49] between the, [31:52] whatever, [31:52] 24 hours after [31:53] the Luka Doncic trade [31:54] was made [31:55] and the media [31:56] availability, [31:57] the press conference, [31:58] the delivery, [31:59] the communication [32:00] that followed [32:00] in those 24 hours [32:02] in February of 2025. [32:04] Compare that [32:05] to this decision. [32:06] Obviously, [32:07] you're not only [32:07] moving on [32:08] from the head coach [32:09] that took this franchise [32:10] back to not only [32:11] the Western Conference Finals, [32:12] but the NBA Finals [32:13] for the first time [32:14] since they won [32:15] their championship. [32:15] You're talking about [32:16] a former rookie [32:17] of the year [32:18] in this organization. [32:18] You're talking about [32:19] a guy who means a lot [32:20] to the Mavericks [32:21] in Jason Kidd. [32:22] So for them [32:23] to make this decision [32:25] and then handle it [32:26] professionally, [32:27] respectfully, [32:29] the right way [32:30] by addressing the media [32:31] in the, [32:32] whatever, [32:33] 12 plus hours [32:34] after the decision [32:35] was communicated [32:36] to the public. [32:37] I just think [32:38] that he's doing [32:39] everything the right way [32:40] so far [32:41] to kind of build [32:44] that new slate [32:45] that he's been [32:45] talking so much about. [32:46] And whether or not [32:47] it was part of the decision [32:48] because he did address this. [32:50] I think Mac asked [32:50] the question on [32:51] was his, [32:53] was Kidd's role [32:53] in the Luka trade [32:54] even a factor [32:55] in this at all? [32:56] Whether it was or not, [32:58] the end result [32:58] is the same. [32:59] You are essentially [33:00] helping clear [33:01] some of the trauma out. [33:02] Whether or not, [33:03] so again, [33:04] intentionality [33:05] doesn't necessarily [33:06] factor into [33:07] how the Mavs fans [33:08] feel about this move. [33:09] And that's an important step [33:10] just in moving on [33:12] from, [33:12] in bringing them [33:13] back into the fold. [33:14] The two men [33:15] that were sitting [33:15] at the podium [33:16] in Cleveland [33:17] telling the world [33:19] about the fact [33:19] that they had traded [33:20] Luka Doncic [33:21] to the Lakers [33:21] and now this is [33:22] what we're going to do [33:23] going forward [33:24] and defense wins [33:25] championships [33:25] and regardless [33:27] of the level [33:28] of complicity, [33:30] if that's even a word [33:31] that Jason Kidd [33:31] had in this trade, [33:35] people felt [33:36] that he was. [33:38] Mavs fans felt [33:39] that he was. [33:40] Luka Doncic [33:41] clearly, [33:42] based on their [33:43] interactions [33:43] ever since Luka [33:44] has departed, [33:45] feels that he was. [33:47] And honestly, [33:49] a lot of Mavs fans' [33:50] opinions are going [33:50] to be colored [33:51] by the way [33:51] that Luka [33:52] handles the situation. [33:53] So a lot of Mavs fans [33:54] feel that he was [33:55] complicit in this trade. [33:58] They need [33:59] a clean slate. [34:00] And that was, [34:01] again, [34:01] he didn't say it [34:02] specifically relative [34:03] to Jason Kidd [34:04] or to the [34:04] Luka Doncic trade, [34:06] but Masai Ujiri [34:07] did communicate [34:08] that they need [34:08] a new slate. [34:10] This is a big, [34:11] big step [34:11] toward having [34:12] that new slate. [34:13] We will break [34:14] all of this down [34:15] in full detail [34:16] in under an hour, [34:17] 12 o'clock, [34:18] right back here [34:19] on WFA Plus. [34:20] The Ultimate Dallas [34:21] Sports Show [34:21] will return [34:22] and we'll analyze [34:23] this even deeper. [34:24] See you then.