Haralabos Voulgaris: The Mavericks' Secret Weapon or Liability?

Haralabos Voulgaris became the Director of Basketball Development and Statistical Research for the Dallas Mavericks in the fall of 2018. His role, however, extends far beyond his official title. According to The Athletic, Voulgaris is the second most influential person in the Mavericks organization, with a significant impact on the team's future.

Voulgaris' influence has been a source of tension within the Mavericks. His involvement in key decisions, including player signings and draft picks, has led to confusion among high-ranking employees about who holds the real power. Several sources within the club and the league confirmed to The Athletic that all deals over the past two seasons were either initiated or approved by Voulgaris.

Voulgaris' influence has also caused friction with players. During a game against the Golden State Warriors, Voulgaris made a gesture to Luka Dončić, which Dončić perceived as condescending. This incident, along with Voulgaris' tendency to leave games early, has strained his relationship with the team. Despite these issues, Voulgaris continues to play a crucial role in the Mavericks' operations, including personally selecting two players, Josh Green and Tyrell Terry, in the 2020 NBA Draft.