Controversial Executive Leaves Dallas Mavericks

After the season, it was reported that Luka Doncic was at odds with Dallas Mavericks executive Haralabos Voulgaris. Now, the 'director of quantitive research and development'—who was often referred to as the "shadow GM"—has decided to step down and leave the team. 

The Dallas Mavericks have parted ways with Haralabos Voulgaris, their director of quantitive research and development.

➡️ https://t.co/QtTK7pKXbK pic.twitter.com/PhoH456wrp

— Yahoo Sports NBA (@YahooSportsNBA) September 23, 2021

Voulgaris was very close to Mavs' owner Mark Cuban, so this is seen as an unexpected move. It doesn't appear to be a "firing", per se, as Voulgaris posted on social media that it was his decision:

I haven't commented since the season ended. Just for clarification I asked to be let out of my contract, was denied. Since then I've been waiting for my contract to expire.

— Haralabos Voulgaris (@haralabob) September 23, 2021

According to The Athletic, Voulgaris, a former professional gambler, began "influencing front office decisions" immediately upon his hiring in 2018, angering many around the Mavericks' front office. 

He was said to have had a stormy relationship with then-GM Donnie Nelson, and was even known to have gone as far as "scripting the starting lineups and rotations for longtime head coach Rick Carlisle." Both have since left the organization.

But what caught headlines in June, was a report that superstar Luka Doncic had had several run-ins with Voulgaris, to the point of once screaming at the exec, "don't f******g tell me to calm down!!"

Now, with Voulgaris leaving, it completes the total cleaning house of the Dallas front office.

Somewhere, Luka Doncic is likely smiling.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports