Masai Ujiri hadn’t even taken a question from reporters as team president and alternate governor of the Dallas Mavericks when he tacitly acknowledged the chaotic 15 months that have enveloped the franchise.
“Listen, I hope to bring calm,” Ujiri said Tuesday in opening remarks at his introductory news conference just a few moments after trying to soothe his distressed youngest son Amani, the 5-year-old who came to the stage wanting his dad to hold him.
Ujiri didn’t even have to mention the ill-fated trade of Luka Doncic that ultimately led to the firing of his predecessor, former general manager Nico Harrison.
Or the crazy good luck Dallas got in landing Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick despite just a 1.8% chance to win the draft lottery.