Since the arrival of Nico Harrison as GM in 2021, the Mavs have evolved their organizational chart. Matt Riccardi, who came from Brooklyn, became assistant GM when Dennis Lindsey, former Jazz GM, came to strengthen the franchise this summer as a consultant. And there are also changes internally, notably for Casey Smith.
His name is not the best known but he is not just anyone in Dallas since this physical trainer, who managed the entire health department of the franchise since 2019, arrived at the Mavericks in 2004!
He was friends with Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd and we even remember that he always made numerous trips to Slovenia to be closer to Luka Doncic, with whom he is also close. Without forgetting his work with Team USA, between 2005 and 2012, proof that his skills were appreciated and praised.
A new role before leaving next year?
But as ESPN explained, what The Athletic confirms, the leaders have decided to part ways with Casey Smith. Finally, more precisely, they decided to dismiss him because the latter was informed in August, by Nico Harrison, that he would no longer have the same role in Dallas, without being fired. He will no longer accompany the players on a daily basis, and will no longer sit on the bench or be present in the locker room during matches.
What’s next for him? The club wants to give him a more flexible role, but he still needs to talk about it with the GM and Mark Cuban to clarify the contours of his next mission. For the moment, discussions have not taken place because Casey Smith has to deal with a family problem. In any case, as he only has one season left on his contract, we can start to imagine the fitness trainer leaving in 2024.
To replace him, especially on the bench during matches, it is Dionne Calhoun who rises in rank.
