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Arizona alum Mike Schmitz named GM of Dallas Mavericks
TL;DR
Mike Schmitz, an Arizona alum, has been named the new general manager of the Dallas Mavericks ahead of the upcoming NBA Draft. He previously worked with the Portland Trail Blazers and was a draft analyst for ESPN.
Key points
- Mike Schmitz is the new general manager of the Dallas Mavericks
- He is an alum of the University of Arizona
- Schmitz previously worked with the Portland Trail Blazers
- He served as a draft analyst for ESPN
- His hiring comes ahead of the NBA Draft
Mentioned in this story
Mike SchmitzDallas MavericksPortland Trail Blazers
University of Arizona
BRISTOL, CT - NOVEMBER 18: NBA Draft Analyst, Mike Schmitz looks at his phone during the 2020 NBA Draft on November 18, 2020 in Bristol, Connecticut at ESPN Headquarters. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks are turning to an Arizona alum to take over their franchise.
The Mavericks on Friday announced the hiring of Mike Schmitz as general manager ahead of next month’s NBA Draft. Schmitz spent the last four seasons on the Portland Trail Blazers staff after serving as a draft analyst for ESPN.
Schmitz attended the University of Arizona from 2009-12, where he covered UA athletics for the Daily Wildcat. Schmitz’s Arizona basketball beat helped showcase his eye for identifying talent, according to a 2018 profile in the Daily Wildcat.
Schmitz worked for Yahoo Sports and Draft Express before joining ESPN. He worked for the Worldwide Leader for five years, then transitioned to a front office role in Portland. He most recently served as the Trail Blazers’ assistant GM.
“Mike is one of the most respected evaluators and basketball minds in the NBA,” said Dallas president Masai Ujiri. “He brings intelligence, discipline, humility and a relentless work ethic to everything he does.”
Schmitz takes over a Mavericks franchise that a year ago won the NBA Draft Lottery, earning the rights to the No. 1 pick, which they used on Duke standout Cooper Flagg. Dallas went 26-56 this season and holds a 29% chance at receiving a top-four pick in this Sunday’s Draft Lottery.
Q&A
Who is Mike Schmitz and what is his background?
Mike Schmitz is an Arizona alum who previously worked as a draft analyst for ESPN and spent four seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
What are Mike Schmitz's responsibilities as GM of the Dallas Mavericks?
As the new general manager, Mike Schmitz will oversee the team's operations and player acquisitions, particularly in preparation for the upcoming NBA Draft.
When did the Dallas Mavericks announce Mike Schmitz's hiring?
The Dallas Mavericks announced Mike Schmitz's hiring as general manager on Friday, ahead of next month's NBA Draft.