NBA Notes: Nikola Jokic, Mavericks, Knicks, Heat, Tyler Herro

MAVERICKS

Without a doubt, Luka Doncic was blindsided by his trade away from the Mavericks earlier this month. Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, a longtime friend of Doncic, discussed the star’s reaction during his media availability at All-Star Weekend.

“He was building something there,” Jokic said, via Bennett Durando of the Denver Post. “I think he was hurt… I think as a trade, it’s not such a big thing, but if you trade someone like that, I think it kind of becomes a little bit of a big thing, and maybe players become a little bit serious about it.”

Obviously, the trade marks a significant shift for the Mavericks as they move into a post-Doncic era.

• Meanwhile, new Mavericks CEO Rick Welts is tasked with leading the franchise’s business side amid these changes. Welts, who has a long history of financial success with the Suns and Warriors, spoke candidly about the magnitude of the decision. “I thought I’d seen everything in my 47 years in the NBA, but clearly this was different,” Welts said. “I probably underestimated the reaction. I think we’ve done the best we can, basically, with the staff and trying to do the right thing with everybody who touches the Mavericks.”
• Adding to the drama in Dallas, Mavericks assistant coach Darrell Armstrong was arrested early Saturday morning for alleged aggravated assault with a weapon. According to Dallas police, Armstrong and the victim were involved in a dispute when Armstrong struck the victim with a gun and threatened to shoot. Armstrong has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.

KNICKS

Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns is enjoying perhaps his best season to date as the team entered the All-Star break.

Speaking with Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Towns discussed his transition from Minnesota to New York and the success he’s found with his new team.

“Of course, you always want better,” Towns said. “But I’m just happy that I was able to implement myself into the team and that it resulted in winning. You guys were telling me the stats of having the best record going into the All-Star break since [the Knicks’ last championship season in 1973]. Hopefully, history coincides with that and brings a ring with it.”

The Knicks are currently 36-18, sitting just 2.5 games behind the No. 2-seeded Boston Celtics. Towns has fit in seamlessly with fellow All-Star Jalen Brunson, and he’s content with his role as the team’s second option behind Brunson, who was named team captain in August.

Despite sharing the spotlight, Towns is still putting up impressive numbers, averaging 24.7 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, solidifying his place as a key contributor to New York’s success.

HEAT

Heat guard Tyler Herro earned his first All-Star selection for the 2024-25 season and added to his accolades by winning his first Three-Point Contest on Saturday night. Herro defeated Buddy Hield and Darius Garland in the final round, showcasing his sharpshooting skills.

As Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports, Herro’s maturity has been a key factor in his success this season, especially after enduring trade rumors throughout much of his career. He credits a shift in his mental approach for his standout performances.

“I think it comes with being OK with everything, trying to be at peace,” Herro said. “I try to work on myself off the court just as much as I was working on the court. So just being at peace, having my kids, my girl, I’ve got everything I need. So just being able to stay present.”