[chumdawg]

When the cutting of Fin became a topic of discussion, the Mavs had their say. Donnie took to the airwaves, in just about every significant media outlet. Oh, he was nice about it. We heard that Mike brought "a special package," and all that bullshit. But the implication was clear, to all except the most mentally challenged.

Of course, Cuban chimed in too, with the "woe is me" act that has grown tired in these parts over the past two offseasons, as we have seen two multiple-time All-Stars leave here for greener pastures. Very subtle attempts were made to demean #4. Suggestions that he put his own selfish interests above the interests of the team.

To which, #4 responded by pointing out that he did in fact start on a team that won 58 games--a number that I have heard bandied about--truly--ad nauseum on these boards. But even so, that 58-win team decided they would gain by jettisoning their dead weight, the guy who was--as Jerry Stackhouse so belligerently points out--the only guy who was worried about that sort of thing. (The starting or the 58 wins is left to your own estimation.)

In the face of such a none-too-subtle PR attack against him, is it any wonder that the ol' #4 strikes back with all the pride that we so loved about him when he wore the uniform with our name on it?

Mike struck back gently, but oh, so effectively. As befits a player and person of his caliber.

And when it comes to it, what IS Don Nelson doing in these camps anyway?