Mavericks Governor Dumont Criticizes Dončić’s Work Ethic

In his first interview since a high-profile trade, Dallas Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont made waves by criticizing Luka Dončić’s work ethic and suggesting the star player wasn’t a good fit for a championship-contending team. 

The president and chief financial officer of Las Vegas Sands expressed concerns about the Slovenian’s dedication to the sport, comparing it unfavorably to that of a few NBA legends. 

However, he remained “unwavering” about the necessity of having hard-working players who match the Mavericks’ culture.

“If You Don’t Have That, You Shouldn’t Be Part of the Dallas Mavericks”

“If you look at the greats in the league, the people you and I grew up with — (Michael) Jordan, (Larry) Bird, Kobe (Bryant), Shaq (O’Neal) — they worked really hard, every day, with a singular focus to win,” Dumont said in an interview with the Dallas Morning News. 

“And if you don’t have that, it doesn’t work. And if you don’t have that, you shouldn’t be part of the Dallas Mavericks,” he added. 

Dumont’s remarks, especially about the Lubljana-born’s dedication, did not sit well with Mavericks fans and sparked debate across the sports world. 

While Dumont included Shaquille O’Neal as an example of a dedicated player, some fans of the Los Angeles Lakers, where O’Neal played his best years, may take issue. 

Kobe Bryant famously criticized O’Neal’s off-season commitment, stating that in 2019, if O’Neal had spent more time in the gym, the team could have won more championships. 

Bryant himself was known for his relentless work ethic.

Fans Question Dumont’s Leadership

Dumont, who took over as Mavericks governor in late 2023 following his family’s acquisition of 77% of the team, seems to be rubbing fans the wrong way. 

The trade, which sent Dončić to another team, has left some questioning his leadership, particularly given that the Mavericks were just months removed from an NBA Finals appearance.

“In my mind, the way teams win is by focus, by having the right character, by having the right culture, and having the right dedication to work as hard as possible to create a championship-winning outcome,” Dumont explained in the interview.

Despite some of the criticism he’s faced, Dončić’s achievements cannot be denied. The 25-year-old, whose birthday will be at the end of the month, has been part of the All-NBA first team for five consecutive seasons, even though concerns over his defensive abilities and off-season habits have been raised.

Amidst the fallout from the trade, Dumont has also been forced to address rumors about the Mavericks potentially moving to Las Vegas. 

He was quick to shut down those speculations, saying, “There is no question in that. That is the answer, unequivocally. The Dallas Mavericks are the Dallas Mavericks, and they will be in Dallas.”

Dumont’s statement about the Mavericks staying in Dallas aligns with business interests, as the team is likely worth more in its current location. Additionally, Sands is working on plans to bring casino hotels to Texas, which would make a potential move to Las Vegas unlikely.