Dirk Nowitzki bugs the everything out of me. Josh Howard and Jason Terry constantly get away with cheap shots. And I love Mark Cuban.
For all of the negative comments I can make about the Dallas Mavericks, the common denominator is that Cuban is the best owner in professional sports.
Not only is Cuban the most controversial and entertaining owner but he is also the biggest reason why the Mavs reached their first NBA Finals appearance after defeating Phoenix on Saturday. Cuban brought in coach Avery Johnson late in his playing career knowing that Johnson would make a great leader once he hung up the jersey and put on the tie.
Cuban most likely had the final say on whether Steve Nash would return to the team two years ago and when Cuban decided not to shell out the money and agree to a long-term contract, Nash signed with Phoenix and has since won back-to-back MVP awards. That’s great for Nash, but where is his team right now?
For as many great passes Nash produces, he overdribbles and turns the ball over too much, as was proved late in Saturday’s Game 6 .
Regarding Nash, Cuban made the best decision for his team and it has paid off.
Cuban is also outspoken when officials screw up. They are only human, but the NBA throws a fit when someone calls an official on his or her mistake. Cuban has been fined hundreds of thousands of dollars, but I’m sure he’d say every penny was worth it. If I were in your shoes, Mr. Cuban, I’d take advantage of spending money by calling out an official when he or she messes up. Officials are the most egotistical waste of breath the world produces and while they are a necessity in sports, officials are often some of the most stubborn, wrong people in the business.
If I were a professional athlete, Cuban is the guy I’d most like to play for. I’m sure many people have heard of the benefits the Mavs have when flying and in their locker room, with the new technology and such. But that doesn’t compare to the overall support he provides his players. Cuban has their back, as evidenced by his sitting courtside at the games, voicing his opinion and paying for the best product to be on the floor in a Mavs uniform. Whether it’s a high-five during a time out or standing up for his players against the league, media or fans, Cuban is there for his team. Which is more than anybody can say about a lot of owners in professional sports.
And who doesn’t remember his run-in with the NBA that involved working at a Dairy Queen? That was just flat-out hilarious.
Here’s to hoping that Miami defeats Dallas in the Finals, but that Cuban continues to speak his mind and open his wallet. In a day and age when professional athletes are becoming more pampered and less fan-friendly, Cuban is able to induce his players to accomplish the ultimate: to perform at their peak and play for the title.
Mr. Cuban, I hope that you purchase a large newspaper in the near future because if you were an owner in my profession, I’d love to be on your team.
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