For those unfamiliar, Brunson was chosen by the Mavericks as the 33rd pick in the second round. Cuban recently shared an intriguing anecdote on the a16z podcast about Brunson’s early days in Dallas. “He was just some chubby guy,” Cuban recalled. “We picked him 33rd. His go-to move was a spin or a move to the left, and he’d fall away and never get the foul. Now, his mid-range game is money.”

Cuban shared this story to underscore the unpredictable nature of the NBA draft. Evaluating a player’s mental fortitude and capacity to adapt and elevate their skills in the league’s competitive environment can be as crucial as assessing their physical attributes.

“He worked on that, but that’s what you don’t know when you draft,” Cuban noted prophetically. “You know their athletic abilities and all that kind of stuff, but you don’t really know their mental capacity or how hard they will work to improve,” he explained, using Brunson as a quintessential example of potential unlocked through perseverance and dedication.

Brunson’s tenure with the Mavericks

Brunson, with a short hair and immense potential, began his NBA career with the Mavericks. In his second year, the team was on the brink of reaching the NBA Finals but ultimately fell short against the Golden State Warriors.

Over four seasons with the Mavericks, Brunson compiled impressive statistics that drew attention league-wide. In 277 regular-season games, he averaged 11.9 points per game, with a .373 three-point shooting average and a .494 field goal percentage.

In 2022, Brunson made the pivotal decision to join the New York Knicks, where his performance and statistics saw a notable transformation. As he continues to hone his skills, Brunson is poised to leverage his evolving perspective and burgeoning talent to make significant strides towards an NBA title in the upcoming season.

“I’m a LeBron fan. And even like the MJ versus LeBron [debate], they’re two completely different players. You can’t even really compare them. If you have a good team and you need a killer, you go MJ. If you have a team that’s good and you want them to be better, and as a team get to the finals, you go LeBron… Who would I rather have the last shot? MJ. Who’s going to help your team get better? LeBron,” Mark Cuban said, via Gil’s Arena podcast.

In the GOAT debate, Michael Jordan shines with his scoring prowess and flawless finals record, winning six titles in six appearances. He also claimed the scoring champion title ten times and added a DPOY award, cementing his dominance. However, LeBron James deserves recognition for his remarkable longevity and versatile impact, securing four championships across three franchises, which keeps him firmly in this legendary conversation.

Mark Cuban’s perspective highlights why the Jordan vs. LeBron debate remains endless: their differing characteristics make direct comparison challenging. Both players could seamlessly coexist in the same starting lineup. While Jordan surpasses LeBron as a scorer, his impact on a team structure is not as significant as the Lakers veteran. Therefore, instead of comparisons, many fans might list them as the two most dominant figures in league history.

Is Michael Jordan’s impact in clutch moments still unmatched by LeBron James?

During his NBA career, Michael Jordan demonstrated his unmatched ability in clutch moments by winning six out of six finals, solidifying his leadership in the GOAT debate. In contrast, LeBron James has appeared in ten finals, winning only four, which fuels debates about his effectiveness in similar situations. However, this perception of James may not paint the whole picture.

According to Fadeaway World, LeBron James is the most efficient player in NBA playoff history since 1997 during clutch moments. With 8 makes out of 20 attempts, the Lakers veteran boasts a 40% conversion rate that dispels doubts about his impact in critical situations. Criticizing him for losing six finals is unfair. Similarly, assuming Jordan won alone ignores the world-class team that supported him.

It does not mean that LeBron needs to dominate the GOAT debate, but it is important to emphasize that winning a championship is not solely about one player’s performance. Securing an NBA title requires a well-balanced roster. If Jordan leads the debate, for some fans, it’s not just because of his championships. Otherwise, Bill Russell, with his astonishing 11 titles, would be the uncontested leader.

“You know, trades are trades. I let Steve Nash go, and the whole town hated my ass for a long time. He wins two MVPs, and I got nothing back for him. Not every decision is one everybody is going to agree… You saw what OKC did, which was smart… Nico has done the same thing. Everybody except PJ is on an extended contract, so we’re gonna have more and more room,” Mark Cuban said, via SiriusXM NBA Radio.

Cooper Flagg’s arrival has brought some peace between the fans and Nico Harrison, but there’s still uncertainty about the team’s competitiveness. The 2024-25 NBA season, plagued with injuries, left questions unanswered. Now, head coach Jason Kidd finally has a chance to shape the team from the preseason onward, an opportunity he missed last year, yet he still managed to guide the team to the postseason.

The Dallas Mavericks have made a strategic move by signing D’Angelo Russell to fill the gap left by Kyrie Irving during his injury. This acquisition enables head coach Jason Kidd to maintain a highly competitive roster, positioning the team as a potential top contender if they can avoid further injuries.

General Manager Nico Harrison aims to bring a championship to Dallas soon, seeking to close the post-Luka Doncic era on a high note. However, achieving this goal will not be easy. The Mavericks need to strengthen their bench to compete effectively against formidable franchises like the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets, who continue to hold a competitive edge.

Dallas Mavericks make a key offseason decision after lessons from the 2024–25 season

The 2024–25 season offered key lessons for the Dallas Mavericks, especially for GM Nico Harrison and the front office. Meanwhile, at the NBA Summer League, Cooper Flagg wasted no time showcasing his star potential. The rookie lit up the court with a 31-point performance in just his second game, making a statement against the San Antonio Spurs.

However, the Mavericks have opted to keep him out of the remainder of the Summer League competition, according to ESPN. While the team has not provided an official reason, the decision likely reflects a focus on protecting his long-term health and avoiding any unnecessary injury risk.

During the press conference, Harrison emphasized that his priority is the Mavericks’ success, even if that means making unpopular decisions. His remarks, however, included a subtle shot that many interpreted as a dismissal of Nowitzki’s opinion on the trade.

“My obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks. It’s what’s in the best interest of the Dallas Mavericks, and that’s the most important thing,” Harrison stated, via Tim Cato. “Some of those decisions are going to be unpopular—maybe to Dirk and maybe to the fans—but my obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks”.

These comments didn’t sit well with Cuban, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend Nowitzki. The billionaire entrepreneur made it clear where the heart of the franchise lies.

“Dirk is the Dallas Mavericks. Then, now, and forever,” Cuban wrote on his X account. “No one should ever forget that. That statue will be here forever. Loyalty never fades away”.

Cuban rallies fans ahead of key Mavericks matchup

As the Mavericks prepare for a pivotal game against the Sacramento Kings with playoff implications on the line, Cuban issued a heartfelt message to fans, urging them to back the team during this crucial stretch.

“I am a Mavs fan. I will always love and cheer for everyone who puts on our uniform,” Cuban stated. “Tomorrow night and however many games we have left this season and in every future season, whether I’m in the stands, in front of the TV, or following every play online, my heart and soul is committed to rooting for the Mavs to win”.

Cuban further called on fans to show unwavering support for the players despite the recent turmoil. “That will never change,” he added. “I know fans are upset. But don’t be upset at the players. Support them. Root for them. Rally behind them. MFFL stands for Mavs Fan FOR LIFE”.

In a recent appearance on the Your Mom’s House podcast, the former Mavericks owner made it clear that if he had any say in the matter, the Luka Doncic trade would never have happened.

“If I had any influence, the trade wouldn’t happen,” Cuban said. “After I sold the Mavericks, the majority owner, Patrick Dumont, decided that he was comfortable with Nico Harrison, the general manager, and the team he had put together, which was his choice”.

However, Cuban also acknowledged that under Harrison’s leadership, the Mavs reached the NBA Finals last season. “You can’t totally argue with him because we went to the Finals,” Cuban continued. “It was his choice, and he made his choice. I’m just a fan now. Over time, it was just like, ‘Ok, in Nico we trust.’ So, here we are”.

Cuban reveals the exact moment he found out about the trade

For many, the news of Luka Doncic joining the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis seemed like a joke at first. Cuban, however, recalls receiving a text message from Harrison about the trade, initially thinking the GM was asking for his opinion.

“I was in Florida at a conference. It was 11 at night and I got a text,” said Cuban. “It was from our general manager, and I thought he was asking me what I thought. And then I realized very quickly that he was telling me what happened, and I told him I didn’t agree with it, but it wasn’t my decision to make”.

Cuban draws parallels between Doncic and Steve Nash

Cuban also reflected on the Doncic trade, drawing a comparison to the decision he made in 2004 to let Steve Nash leave the Mavericks for the Phoenix Suns, where Nash would go on to win back-to-back MVPs.

“Look, you know, in 2004 I let Steve Nash walk, and he won two MVPs the next two years,” Cuban explained. “But the good news was he beat us in the playoffs the first year after he left… and then we made it to the Finals and won a championship, so it kinda covered all of that”.

Mavericks fans expressed their strong displeasure with GM Nico Harrison’s decision by placing #FIRENICO shirts on seats at the American Airlines Center. Their frustration did not stop there, as they staged a protest outside the arena, holding signs demanding Harrison’s departure while chanting “FIRE NICO.” Additionally, a truck displaying a massive “FIRE NICO, SELL THE TEAM” sign was seen outside the stadium, further amplifying their message.

Dallas Mavericks fans did not stop at protests, they took their outrage even further. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, GM Nico Harrison has been the target of death threats following the Luka Doncic trade: “Nico Harrison has been subjected to death threats… Security is going to be beefed up. There will be protests outside.”

It is clear that Mavericks fans feel deeply betrayed by Harrison, as Doncic was not just the cornerstone of the franchise’s long-term vision but also the player who led the team to the 2024 NBA Finals.

Nevertheless, Nico Harrison shifted the team’s priorities, adopting a short-term vision that emphasizes defense over offense. By bringing in players like Max Christie and Anthony Davis instead of Luka Doncic, Harrison reinforced his belief that defense wins championships. While Christie and Davis are expected to provide more stability, fans were deeply unhappy with the move, as Doncic was not just a star player but a symbol of the city.

Dallas Mavericks co-owner Mark Cuban jokes with Bill Gates about Luka Doncic trade

In 2023, Mark Cuban sold the majority of his shares in the Dallas Mavericks to the Adelson and Dumont family while retaining 27.7% of his stake in the team. Following the shocking trade of Luka Doncic, former NBA player Chandler Parsons revealed that he contacted Cuban to express his confusion. Mark Cuban answered: “That makes two of us,” signaling that he was also surprised by the move.

Cuban later joked about the situation in a conversation with Bill Gates, drawing an analogy to the tech world: “If after you left the company, they traded Microsoft 11 for Microsoft 10… what would you do?,” stated Mark Cuban as reported by Dallas News.

With these comments, Cuban made it clear that he disagrees with the decision, subtly suggesting that the team has downgraded. However, only time will tell whether this move pays off. What is certain is that if the trade backfires, Nico Harrison’s job could be on the line.

Cuban, who sold his majority stake in the Mavericks to a conglomerate at the end of 2023, discussed the changes he’s observed in the league since stepping back from his previous role. Fans, too, have noticed adjustments to the league’s policies and dynamics, sparking varied reactions.

In an interview with NBA Insider Marc Stein on The Stein Line, Cuban revealed an unusual limitation imposed on him by the league. “The NBA got really, really, really petty and said that I can’t sit behind the bench anymore,” Cuban said. While he still maintains connections with the Mavericks, his involvement is far less hands-on than during his ownership.

League policies now prohibit individuals without specific team roles from sitting behind the bench. For Cuban, this means watching games from a different part of the arena, even as he continues to support the team and greet players before tipoff.

Cuban’s evolving role with the Mavericks

Despite the adjustments, Cuban has embraced his new role with a pragmatic attitude. Speaking about his current involvement, he stated: “I’m not there making day-to-day decisions. That’s all Nico Harrison [Mavericks’ GM]. That’s just the way it’s evolved.”

Cuban acknowledged the transition hasn’t been entirely seamless. “Honestly … is it exactly the way I expected it to be? No. But we’re winning, and things are going well. I’m fine with it,” he said. Cuban initially stepped into an operations management role after the sale, but he faced criticism over his reduced influence.

Reflecting on regrets

After 23 years as the Mavericks’ owner, Cuban admitted to moments of regret. “The only time I feel any regret is when the NBA *** me off,” he confessed. However, he clarified that his frustrations stem from the league itself rather than his former team.

“Maybe it would be different if we were losing and things weren’t going well, but things are going well,” Cuban explained. “It’s nothing specific to the Mavs. I can’t go into NBA meetings anymore and give them *** for being petty.“

While the Mavericks navigate a middling NBA regular season, Cuban remains a dedicated supporter, albeit from a different vantage point. His commitment to staying involved with the team and maintaining relationships with the players and staff underscores his enduring connection to the franchise.

In a lighthearted interview with TMZ Sports, Cuban jokingly urged LeBron to retire. “Yes, LeBron, it’s time for you to quit. I’m tired of you…,” Cuban quipped. The 66-year-old entrepreneur quickly clarified that his plea wasn’t because he doubted LeBron’s ability to play at an elite level—in fact, it was the opposite.

“I’m being serious, only ’cause he’s still so good. He’s on the Lakers, they’re our rivals. So, it’s time to retire, LeBron,” Cuban explained, making it clear that his desire for LeBron to step away from the game was purely competitive. With James out of the picture, Cuban clearly feels the Mavericks would have a stronger path to the NBA title.

The Mavericks are poised for success

Despite Cuban’s playful request, the Dallas Mavericks have plenty to be optimistic about heading into the 2024-25 season. Last season, they performed impressively, finishing fifth in the Western Conference with a better record than the Lakers, and reaching the NBA Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Boston Celtics in five games.

The Mavericks’ success has been anchored by their superstar duo, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. This season, the team added even more firepower with the acquisition of Klay Thompson, a four-time champion who spent 13 years with the Golden State Warriors.

2024-25 NBA season tip-off

As the NBA regular season approaches, the Dallas Mavericks will face the Phoenix Suns this Saturday night at the Footprint Center. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday for their home opener.

In just six seasons, Doncic has already racked up five All-Star selections, four All–NBA First Team honors, and claimed the NBA scoring title in 2023-24. He also took home the Rookie of the Year award in 2018-19. At this pace, Doncic is well on his way to securing his place among the basketball greats.

Doncic’s success has naturally sparked debate over whether Nowitzki is still the best player in Mavericks history, or if Luka has already surpassed him. Mavs owner Mark Cuban, however, was quick to critique these comparisons.

In a recent interview on Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe, Cuban addressed the differences between the two Mavericks icons. “Remember, the league has changed,” Cuban said. “And Dirk—the skills he brought, and even more than his skills, his mindset—Dirk is mentally tougher than any human I’ve ever met in my life.”

“Whether it’s dealing with pain or the discipline off the court, that defines what you do,” Cuban continued. “It doesn’t matter how talented you are. We’ve both seen talented guys flame out in a minute. Dirk had that mindset, stronger than maybe anybody, other than Michael Jordan.”

When it came to Doncic, Cuban pointed out the differences in style and abilities. “Luka, on the other hand, in terms of actual skill and killer instinct—Luka can handle the ball. Dirk needed someone to get him the ball. That’s the only real difference.”

Cuban on how Doncic-Irving took Mavs to the Finals

During an appearance on The Roommates Show, Mark Cuban opened up about the chemistry between Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving and how their collaboration fueled the Mavericks’ run to the NBA Finals. According to Cuban, the duo’s success was built during the offseason.

“It was like, okay, let’s take the summer and figure things out,” Cuban revealed. “By the time training camp rolled around, they had learned how to play together. [Head coach Jason Kidd] did a great job managing two high-level talents, and we were able to make it work.”

Cuban also emphasized the duo’s influence on the rest of the team. “Not only did Luka and Kyrie figure out how to play off each other, but they also elevated everyone around them,” he said. “Guys like PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively all saw improvements. It was special to watch how they lifted the entire squad.”

Thompson signed a three-year, $50 million deal with Dallas after 13 seasons in Golden State, where he won four championships alongside Stephen Curry, solidifying his place as one of the team’s greatest players.

In a recent appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay,” Cuban discussed Thompson’s arrival and what it means for the Mavericks. “Steph’s not going anywhere, right? LeBron’s moved around just for different reasons, but when you’re the number two guy and it’s not going the way you want, then, yeah, the door is open,” Cuban said.

He added, “But it takes somebody who’s special, someone who has confidence, ambition, and something to prove. Klay’s got a lot to prove, and that’s exactly the kind of player you want on your team. Those are the guys who will work harder than ever to show people they’re still at the top of their game.”

Cuban also acknowledged that Thompson was ready for a fresh start after a tough season. “I think Klay was ready for a move. All the grief he got last year, especially with how it ended. The timing was right. Kudos to Klay for being willing to make the move.”

Kyrie Irving’s key role in recruiting Thompson

In an interview on NBC Sports Bay Area’s “Dubs Talk,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd opened up about the behind-the-scenes efforts to bring Thompson to Dallas, crediting Kyrie Irving as a major factor in the deal.

“When it comes to recruitment, a lot of people were involved,” Kidd said. “But one of the biggest influences was Kai [Irving]. Kai connected with Klay, player to player, and shared what his experience has been like in Dallas over the past two years. He gave Klay an honest assessment of what the team could achieve with him on board.”

With Thompson joining a star-studded Mavericks roster, hopes are high in Dallas that he will be a crucial piece in their quest for another championship.

Recognizing his talent, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tried to build a championship-caliber team around the Slovenian sensation. The addition of Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets was seen as the perfect move to complement Doncic’s game. However, their initial partnership got off to a rocky start, with the team posting a 5-11 record, leaving many Mavs fans questioning if the duo could truly coexist on the court.

Cuban recently opened up on the ‘Roommates Show,’ explaining that the challenges the team faced were largely due to timing. When Irving joined the Mavericks, Doncic was sidelined with an injury, and the season was already on a downward spiral.

“Some of the deals I’ve done that I thought were great deals turned out awful and vice versa,” Cuban said. “With Kyrie, he came in and Luka was hurt, and we went 3-in-1 when Luka was hurt. Then they tried to gel, and they deferred to each other too much, and our season was a lost season.”

Cuban emphasized that the key to their eventual success was the time spent building chemistry during the offseason. “It was like, okay, let’s just take the summer, and they did. Going into [training] camp, they learned how to play together. [Dallas head coach] J[ason] Kidd is great at dealing with guys with that level of talent, and we were able to put it together.”

The result? Not only did Irving and Doncic figure out how to play off each other, but their synergy elevated the entire team. “Not only did they work and not only did they show that two guards can work together, but they made everybody else better,” Cuban noted. “PJ Washington got better, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively got better, they lifted everybody else’s game up and that was a special part of what they did as well.”

Mavericks’ plans for Klay Thompson differ from Warriors

In addition to praising his star backcourt, Cuban also shed light on the Mavericks’ approach to new addition Klay Thompson, contrasting it with how the Golden State Warriors used him. Mavs plan to ease Thompson’s physical burden and let him focus more on what he does best: shooting.

“Obviously, the big addition was Klay,” Cuban said. “He’s someone you have to face guard because he’s going to make 40% of his shots… At Golden State, he was always on the move. They had that motion offense where he was constantly coming off screens and running. We don’t do that, or not nearly as much. We’ll run some of that action for him, but mostly, he’ll be standing in the corner or on the wings, just catching and shooting from Luka [Doncic] and [Kyrie Irving]. Hopefully, his life is going to be a lot easier.”