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Mavs’ P.J. Washington Had Sincere Message for Dallas Fans Over ‘Fire Nico’ Chants

Andy Nesbitt

P.J. Washington is tired of hearing these chants.
P.J. Washington is tired of hearing these chants. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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The past few months for the Dallas Mavericks and their fans have been a nightmare, as the team traded away Luka Doncic, one of the brightest young stars in the league, to the Los Angeles Lakers and then had Kyrie Irving go down with a season-ending knee injury.

Mavs fans have understandably been upset with the team's general manager, Nico Harrison, who was the man behind the stunning Doncic trade. "Fire Nico" chants were once again heard during Sunday's home game against the Philadelphia 76ers, including once while the arena was otherwise quiet as Dallas' P.J. Washington shot free throws.

Washington spoke about that moment after the game (which the Mavs lost, 130–125) and made it clear he and his teammates are sick of hearing those chants.

“At the end of the day, trades happen," Washington said. "We understand we have a new team. All that ‘Fire Nico’ stuff, we're sick and tired of hearing it. We just want to go out and play, the fans to support us no matter who’s on the floor. That's just how I feel about it."

The injury-depleted Mavs have lost three straight games but still hold the No. 10 spot in the Western Conference playoff race.

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Andy Nesbitt
ANDY NESBITT

Andy Nesbitt is the assistant managing editor of audience engagement at Sports Illustrated. He works closely with the Breaking and Trending News team to shape SI’s daily coverage across all sports. A 20-year veteran of the sports media business, he has worked for Fox Sports, For the Win, The Boston Globe and NBC Sports, having joined SI in February 2023. Nesbitt is a golf fanatic who desperately wants to see the Super Bowl played on a Saturday night.

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