Former Dallas Mavericks majority proprietor Mark Cuban made an look on Friday’s episode of the “Stephen A. Smith” present, the place he weighed in on the headline-grabbing, blockbuster deal that despatched franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers in alternate for a bundle headlined by Anthony Davis.
The commerce despatched shockwaves by means of the league, particularly given Doncic’s standing as a generational participant regardless of being injured on the time, and Davis being six years older. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison defended the transfer by pointing to the workforce’s want for improved protection — an space the place Doncic wasn’t precisely recognized to shine.
With Anthony Davis now teaming up with Dereck Energetic II and Daniel Gafford in Dallas’ frontcourt, Mark Cuban advised Smith the trio made up the “finest huge three within the NBA.”
•
“Nico determined that protection wins championships, and so they thought that Anthony Davis can be a greater anchor for our protection,” Cuban mentioned (24:08 mark). “And look, you realize, the reality is, between AD, Dereck Energetic and Daniel Gafford, that is the very best huge three within the NBA.”
After the deal, the Mavericks have been hit onerous by a wave of accidents — together with Davis himself and star guard Kyrie Irving. Nonetheless, with Davis on the court docket, the Mavs went 5-1 in six video games. Throughout that span, Davis averaged 19.5 factors, 9.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists.
Mark Cuban opens up about shedding basketball ops management after Mavericks sale
When Mark Cuban offered the Mavericks to the Adelson and Dumont households, it was initially anticipated he’d keep concerned in basketball operations. However as soon as the deal closed, that function by no means materialized.
Cuban advised Smith that the settlement was nothing greater than a “handshake” and finally didn’t make it into the official paperwork.
“It was a handshake settlement and … I attempted to place it within the contract. Truly, the NBA mentioned no. They mentioned mainly it is between you and the brand new possession, and … they went of their course.” (22:48 mark)
Smith then requested if Doncic would nonetheless be in Dallas if Cuban had stayed in command of basketball choices, to which Cuban responded:
“I believe he is right here. Yeah.”
Mark Cuban additionally mentioned he by no means would’ve pulled the set off on buying and selling Doncic and shared that GM Nico Harrison solely referred to as him after the deal was already finalized.
“I used to be like, ‘You are asking me, proper? This is not completed,’” Cuban recalled the dialog with Harrison going. “He was like, ‘No, it is completed.’ And I used to be like, ‘Okay.’ You understand, nothing extra to speak about.
“I would not have completed this. And, you realize, thanks for giving me the decision.”
For the reason that commerce, the Mavericks have struggled, falling to 38-40 with numerous accidents however nonetheless clinging to the No. 9 seed within the Western Convention. In the meantime, the Lakers have surged, climbing to 3rd place at 47-30 as of Friday.
