Finley is one of the assistant general managers underneath Harrison. Matt Riccardi is another. He lacks Finley's reputation and playing experience, but he has subtly become important to the Mavericks not only as a decision-maker on basketball matters, but as a voice and face for the front office.

Nico Harrison carved out a special place in GM infamy in modern NBA history, but the fired Mavericks exec certainly has company.

The Dallas Mavericks entered this year hoping to hold steady in the Western Conference playoff race until Kyrie Irving returns, at which point they could fully take off into a legitimate contender.