Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson was in attendance for Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night, and he had a message.
Nelson, who was just announced as the winner of the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, was wearing a pair of Luka Doncic’s signature Jordan Brand sneakers.
Speaking to ESPN, he made it clear why he chose that fashion statement.
“As a matter of fact, I want everybody to know I’m wearing Luka [Doncic]’s shoes, his new shoes from Nike that just got on the market,” Nelson said. “I’m wearing them in protest for the trade from Dallas. Tremendous mistake by the Dallas franchise to trade him, and I want everybody to know that.”
Nelson coached the Mavericks for eight seasons and has remained close to the organization for years.
Like many others, he was outraged when the Mavericks traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis.
The fact that Nelson is openly talking about this is a big deal, especially because it’s been months since the trade.
This shows just how devastating the change was for the Mavericks and their fans.
Thankfully, those fans are feeling a bit better these days because Dallas recently acquired the No. 1 draft pick, meaning they will surely have Cooper Flagg in the lineup next season.
Still, the loss of Doncic will always hurt, and people will speak out against this trade for many years to come
Nelson said that when a team has a great player, they should do all they can to hold onto him forever.
The Mavericks had other ideas, and it cost them the goodwill of their fanbase.
Thanks to their luck in the draft, the future isn’t as dark for Dallas, but the fans are still reeling.
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