There is no worse feeling in sports than being eliminated in the playoffs. It's an exclamation point on a disappointing season. Like everyone else, I try to look back and see what we did right and wrong and look forward to see where we stand for the upcoming and future seasons.
We made mistakes, no question. We took the start of the regular season for granted. The entire staff wanted to avoid another meltdown like we had against Golden State, so we started off the season with a willingness to experiment. We wanted to try different combinations of players to see what worked and didn't work, thinking we would still win games, but that we could evaluate players and let them try new things. Unfortunately, we didn't win as many games as we thought we should. To make matters worse, we lost games we thought we should have won easily, particularly on the road.
When we didn't win those games, we put more pressure on ourselves and tried even more lineups. We just couldn't find the right combination of players that allowed us to click. We used 556 lineup combinations. (by comparison, the Lakers used 313, the Suns 231).
One of my favorite history books from High School was Why Men Rebel, its point is that the further a person's reality diverges from their expectations, the more likely there are to be cultural problems. Which is exactly what started to happen to the Mavs. Everyone had their own solution to the problems. Some were voiced, some were internalized. Some were ignored. All made it harder for everyone to get on the same page.
You could see how these issues manifested themselves in games as well. We track pct of possessions that were stopped on both sides of the ball. In the 1st quarter, the Mavs were the most unstoppable team in the league. We scored on 55pct of our possessions. By the 3rd quarter, we were 16Th, dropping to 50pct, before improving some in the 4Th. On defense ,it was the same kind of thing. We got stops 51pct of the time in the 1st quarter,(4Th in league) dropping down to 47pct of the time in the 4Th (24Th in league).
We thought we would get on a roll at some point, but that point never came. The disparity between our home and road record really drove home the point that we needed some level of change. That without it, things could possibly get better, or they could get worse. But there was no denying the amount of pressure and tension that was being felt by players, coaches, management and fans. We all stayed optimistic, but we all had an element of doubt as well.
When we got to the trade deadline, the entire organization realized that we weren't "just going to turn it around". We needed a spark.
In discussing trades, Avery and Donnie take the role of determining which trades can help the team. Its my job to manage the financial and long term impact. No trade is done unless we all agree we should do it. We all have veto power.
We had the opportunity to make a trade with the Clippers, but contrary to reports, we turned that down immediately. There were a lot of preliminary discussions with different teams, but nothing really seemed to take hold. Even the discussions with New Jersey didn't get very far initially.
One thing about making trades, as Nelly told me early on, 99pct of them that you think might happen, never happen. Here is what does happen. GMs get on the phone and talk and talk and talk. But rarely is the GM actually empowered to make a trade. So they play the game of "having to go back to their owners". I would tell Donnie all the time, "You have the authority to say yes, when they get to the point of commitment". When we thought things would get close, we would get the "Now I have to get my owners permission". Its almost comical how unable some GMs are to pull the trigger in the NBA. Its a game they all agree to play. They pretend they have authority, until its go time. I have never seen so much time wasted in my life. i feel sorry for Donnie having to deal with all that nonsense.
So back to the trade deadline. We went back and forth about whether or not we should trade Devin. We knew he was a good point guard, with the potential to be amazing. What we didn't know was how long that would take. On one hand, we didn't have enough confidence in him to let him call his own plays, but on the other, he is a one man fast break, his shooting was improving by the minute, he is a good defender and his potential was undeniable. In Jason Kidd, we felt we would get a player that would make ti easier for Dirk, Josh, Jet to get open shots. That Avery would no longer have to scream to push the ball, that JK was the best in the business at pushing the ball in the open court. Plus, our rebounding had suffered this year vs last, JKidd is a great rebounder and the presses that had caused us problems, would no longer be a problem.
None of the other guys in the initial versions of trade were playing much at the time, other than Stack.
It wasn't an easy call. Between AJ, Donnie and I, we would change our minds by the minute. I don't think there is any doubt that the pressure and closeness of the Western Conference race had something to do with our decision making process. In my mind, this season was becoming analogous to the most agonizing season I had been through, the 04-05 season. We were having the same home vs road record delta, multiple players asking to be traded and even more internal tension about our lack of consistent performance than we had in 04-05.
But the current year wasn't really my personal deciding factor. Looking at our future cap structure was. In doing a deal for JKidd, we created a situation where Devin, Mo Ager, Hass and what we would have paid Ghana would no longer be on our cap. Which put us in a position for the future that I looked at as follows:
2008-9 We have a full training camp with a very motivated JKidd, the rest of our starters back, an improving Nasty Bassty (had to get that in there :), plus anyone we can add. We all thought (and still do), we would have a very strong nucleus to build around. We would also have a 1st round pick.
2009-10 Depending on how the previous season went, we would have several last year contracts available, the option of potentially having some cap room, and other options to improve the team. With the much lower potential salaries, not only could we use cap room if we went that direction to enable roster flexibility, we could also buy a pick. (there are almost always teams willing to sell a pick in the 20s for 3mm dollars)
2010-11 In this year we only have 2 fully guaranteed contracts and in 2011-12 We dint have any fully guaranteed contracts. So the options are endless in both years. Plus , its in one of these years that the new CBA comes up. With so little committed, depending on how hard a line the owners take, things could get very, very inter sting. Having so little contractually committed could be a great place to be when other teams look to dump salaries to avoid the risks of a lockout.
So with the changes, while we lost a great player in Devin, we felt like we were picking up someone who could spark the team and add energy on the court. At best, we re energized, at worst, it doesn't help, but we have improved the roster flexibility for the future and improved our opportunity to re invent ourselves, just as we had after the 04 05 season. And as far as the draft picks, there is no question there is risk there, but in the NBA, there is always the option to buy low first round draft picks, so we weren't as concerned there.
So from my my viewpoint, we accelerated salaries, which wasn't cheap, and in exchange, got a player that our basketball people thought could energize and help us.
The only thing remaining to be done was to actually execute the trade. About this time, the theme song to the Benny Hill Show comes to mind. I can't go into all the details, but there should be a rule in the NBA that any trade that is offered is considered a binding contract and the team is required to stick to it. This thing went from 2 teams to 3 teams to maybe 4, back to 3, back to 2 with players changing, players talking, players that wanted to be traded being told by their agents not to approve the trade, players who wanted to be traded excited to be part of the deal, then being worried that they we rent in the deal. it was crazy. There were many times I thought it was dead. But it finally got done.
Do I think we might the right deal, you never know till you know, but I know I would make the same deal again. i also know what I learned from Nash leaving. As great an offensive coach as Nellie is, Nash wasn't playing at MVP levels with us. A change of scenery and coaches and system, some payback motivation and he became a very, very deserving 2 time MVP.
My hope, is that with the changes that have taken place with our Mavs, we will see the same effect with JKidd this coming year, and that will lead to another great year and another and a Mavs championship along the way. If it doesn't work, we hopefully have limited our downside
And one last word on something. I have never, ever raised my voice to any coach or player on this team. Ever. I've been screamed at. which I have no problem with. I have no problem with someone venting at me or to me, even about me. In fact, if its necessary, I prefer it be to me. Its a sign of passion. In fact i wrote a blog post about it 4 years ago
Its going to be a fun summer, Go Mavs !
And BTW, here is hoping for a Stars vs Pens Stanley Cup !
Talking Mavs
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Reader Comments
(Page 2)22. I don't want to disagree with you, but I must. How can we as Mavs fans get excited about the prospect of the starters coming back? Josh Howard? Really? The guy that vanishes when his team needs him most? Dampier? Sometimes he's great, sometimes he's not? Other than Dirk what gets us excited about this? We've watched essentially the same guys fold it up 3 years in a row and we somehow think they might make it work this year? I realize you are smarter than me, which is why you own the team and I watch, but something has to be done about this thing. Riding it out again will only lead to more sports heartbreak next year.
Posted at 8:55AM on May 6th 2008 by Eric
23. Mark,
Fascinating post on the innerworkings of a team leading up to a big trade. I wish all the owners were as open as you are. I'm not a Mav's fan, but since my team is in the East, best of luck to the Mavs next year.
Posted at 9:00AM on May 6th 2008 by Scott
24. Thank you for addressing all the issues us MFFL's needed to hear. Please Please keep Dirk and Bass - they are solid. It's going to be a tough offseason but I'm confident everything will be fine when we have an owner like you. GO MAVS, GO MAVS GO MAVS GO MAAAAAVS!!
Posted at 9:10AM on May 6th 2008 by Jessica C
25. Mark,
Do you fell like Josh Howard let the team and fans down for his off the court behavior and would you consider trading him for someone like a Gilbert Arenas type player???
Posted at 9:15AM on May 6th 2008 by Don Long
26. NBA fans and observers enjoy forthrightness like this one from team owners like you. Thank you for publicly sharing your sentiments in more detail. Good luck on your Mavericks next season. :)
Posted at 9:22AM on May 6th 2008 by Willie Galang
27. Dont the rangers always toot the financial flexibility of the future? hehe
Posted at 9:27AM on May 6th 2008 by Jeff Winkfein
28. Why did you turn off the comments on the shot clock topic? And you are wrong about it. Let's say there is exactly one second left in the game and on the shot clock. The game clock will show 1.0 and the shot clock 1. With 0.9 seconds left the game clock will show 0.9 and the shot clock 1...with 0.1 seconds left the game clock will show 0.1 and the shot clock 1. When time expires both clocks will show 0 at the same time.
Posted at 9:28AM on May 6th 2008 by Mike Radigan
29. I didn't like seeing our best pick-and-roll defender and our best low-post defender walk out the door but props for explaining from your point of view.
Posted at 9:30AM on May 6th 2008 by Brandon
30. A lot of the blame for the drop in offensive production by quarter can be directed at Josh Howard. Look at his quarter-by-quarter scoring averages (courtesy of 82games.com):
1st Quarter: 6.9 points - 6th in the league
2nd Quarter: 4.6 points - 29th in the league
3rd Quarter: 4.4 points - 64th in the league
4th Quarter: 4.0 points - 61st in the league
Just amazing that he can do so well in the first quarter, and then continue to drop off as the games progresses.
Posted at 10:32AM on May 6th 2008 by John
31. I appreciate your honesty and willingness to make the team better. Concerns exist, but thanks for the work you do.
Posted at 10:41AM on May 6th 2008 by DRS
32. Dear Mr. Cuban:
I agree that the Mav's window is still open, and here's the best hire you can make in order to capture the NBA finals next year: Hubie Brown for one year. Hear me out:
1. Look at what Brown did with the no-count Grizzlies when he was at the helm. Also, as the Grizzlies former coach, he knows the Western Conference inside out.
2. Hubie would only coach for one year, after getting cleared by his doctors. This is perfect: install someone on the bench under Brown for a year, and take your best run--he'll definitely get the best out of the team, out of Jason Kidd, and you'll have a full understanding of the roster and its potential.
3. Let the players know that they're playing for their futures on the team, that way, you avoid any players tuning out a one-year coach.
4. The conventional wisdom, of course, is to bring in another hot coaching prospect--someone who "identifies" with today's young player. But look at the coaches remaining in the West: Jackson, Popavich, Sloan, and Byron Scott. Clearly, going old school pays off, and it doesn't get much more old school than Hubie Brown.
5. Most would think Hubie wouldn't consider it--but he's never been pitched to by Mark Cuban. Brown will see it as his last shot at glory--and with Dirk on the team, you know he would at least listen. And I repeat--he got the Grizzlies to the playoffs, two years in a row!
One year. Take your shot. Hire Hubie Brown.
Posted at 11:03AM on May 6th 2008 by Chuck R.
33. In any business, ALL employees hate micro managers. It doesn't matter what industry you are in, what company you work for, what office you reside in. Employees hate managers who are constantly on their back. Why is it any different in basketball? You need to step away from the bench and let your coaches/players do their jobs without you eyeing their every move.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with being passionate about your team. I wish most owners were. Just be passionate in your own suite and let the coach and players play.
Posted at 11:48AM on May 6th 2008 by jasers
34. Mavs don't have to win a championship next year, only 1 team will but they should not dump their players at a low point when they have at least a competitive roster. Who wants to see the Mavs back in year after year dump of non-playoff teams rather than at least making the playoffs? Certainly not Dirk Nowitzki, or Jason Terry, or Bass or Howard or Dampier, all players proven to perform above average at their position and to produce winning seasons.
Cuban is correct, with cap room and cash, a couple key moves can turn a team quickly and change the whole look of the players, just ask the Boston Celtics and Keven Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce. From losing teams to the top of league in 1 season. Just ask the Lakers, who went from Kobe wants out to Kobe is MVP in less than 1 season.
Yeah, the trade looks pretty bad right now I still give Mark Cuban & Donnie Nelson the Mavs MVP award for keeping the Mavs in the hunt several years running...
http://www.dallasnews.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=24210#24210
35. This may sound girly, but I would like some players that treat the game like a real job. Mark is a great boss -- he takes care of his employees and provides a great workplace. The players should do like most employees and return the work ethic. Where is the work ethic? Instead of celebrating a birthday during the playoffs or smoking pot in the off season, how about doing a little extra for your work?
Posted at 1:47PM on May 6th 2008 by Sheila
36. Great Job and keep Dirk, Bass, & Kidd as the nucleus. Here is to hoping that Josh grows up over the off season because i do believe despite this past post-season that he will benefit Dirk and Kidd tremendously. Thanks, and keep up the great job that you do.
Posted at 1:59PM on May 6th 2008 by Brandon
37. First off, kudos for explaning your decision-making process. Personally, I believe the deal was flawed from a basketball standpoint. The main concern was the erosion of JKidd's defensive abilities, particularly his ability to defend quick point guards. Chris Paul, Tony Parker, Steve Nash, BDave/MEllis, Deron Williams - all these guys were going to give Kidd major problems, and you were going to face them at some point. Defending quicker point guards also happened to be one of Devin's best attributes. Here is the thing about the Mavs this year - you didnt really have a chance to win it all. The west got so good over the last two years, that bottom line, the Mavs weren't good enough. The year we made the finals was a down year for the conference, and as a passionate owner that season probably blinded you a bit this season. Since that finals appearance, the lakers got gasol for nothing, the hornets got real good (real quick), and Utah developed Stockton/Malone 2.0 (with a better supporting cast!). Aside from Chris Wallace having another top 15 players to give away, there is really nothing you could do to put your team in the same league as the West's elite. If you think Kidd is going to get better next season, you're Kidding yourself (pun intended). His D will continue to erode and his jumper will continue to be erratic. I love JKidd, but much like Stevie his best years have passed him by. Still, the key is not to panic this offseason, lets take those expiring contracts into 2010 and re-invent this team by bringing in another max money guy to take the reins from dirk. Keep up the great work - your personality and leadership will be the Mavs unique selling proposition when it comes time to lure a top 10 player in free agency!!!
Posted at 2:11PM on May 6th 2008 by John W
39. You are the greatest owner in professional sports. Thanks for the insight and thanks for shelling out all of your money on the Mavs. Please, please, please DO NOT TRADE DIRK, Jet, or Bass. I think they will work their butts off next season and with a full training camp with Kidd, I think the Mavs will be great.
Posted at 2:35PM on May 6th 2008 by kim
40. I hope things do go well for the Mavs after your moves. However sometimes the best move is to not make one at all. I think Avery was a great coach, and too often owners need to see results now and are impatient. For the first time I think you were on that side this year. The Jason Kidd trade hurt the team this year, and will probably hurt them for the next few years. So if the NBA wasn't rigged the Mavs probably would have won the title a few years ago. What really is the difference between going to the finals and winning and losing? A lot of luck really, so if they would have won a few years ago would you have fired Avery now?
I know you're a good owner and you're very far from Donald Sterling, but Dan Synder signs big name free agents and does a decent amount of trades for big name players... you don't want to be Dan Synder though.
Posted at 2:50PM on May 6th 2008 by Adam Pritchard
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21. during trade talks i was on the fence for all the reasons you might expecty. it obviously did not pay off. love avery, we need a change. jkidd showed that he still has the ability to run an offense effectively, especially an offense that has a strong tempo.
mark, the risks taken were crazy, and im so glad to have an owner willing to do something. i have a free agent list, a few of which may not be available do to player options and what not, however several are unrestricted. at the top of my list are elton brand and ron artest. brand may return to la because he is just a good guy.. but how i would love to see him on the block with ol dirk. artest.. solves all your toughness problems.. ever. deng, duhon, and my european flair, jose calderon.. i may be waaaaay off base with this next player, but i dont think so. when houston cut their hometown guy, gerald green, i thought they were crazy. am i crazy for that? please let me know, you now have my email.. he torched the mavs a couple times when he got minutes in boston, and you cant tell me that he wouldnt compliment kidd on the fast break. i think okafor is out there, jr smith and ricky davis are talented scorers, of course pietrus was a guy we showed interest in.. and last but not least.. please bring diop home. if you want to bring one or all of these players in, im down for it.. gl
Posted at 3:15AM on May 6th 2008 by Aaron Holloway