David Moore with Cuban Article!!!

[PepperTheMavsFan41]

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...177670ab6.html





Cuban: 'I fully expect Nellie to be coach next year'

12:35 PM CDT on Friday, April 30, 2004


By DAVID MOORE / The Dallas Morning News



SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Mark Cuban stood in a cramped hallway at Arco Arena and talked about the end of a season.

The Mavericks' owner was subdued after his team failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in three years. But a man who made his fortune by being ahead of the curve isn’t about to wallow in what went wrong. His thoughts are focused on what lies ahead.

Cuban believes the smart move for this franchise is to keep the Big Three of Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash and Michael Finley intact. As for the future of Don Nelson, a question Cuban estimates he’s already fielded 126 times, he said he expects Nelson back to coach the team.

He also shot down speculation that Miami president Pat Riley could be coaching in Dallas as soon as next season.

“Let’s talk about Pat Riley,’’ Cuban said. “I will absolutely, positively guarantee you without any question, I’ll put any amount of money on it, that Pat Riley is not going to be the coach of the Dallas Mavericks next year. I fully expect Nellie to be the coach next year. I don’t see any reason to change that.’’

The owner expects point guard Steve Nash and rookie Marquis Daniels to be back as well. He has no desire to see the Mavericks change their style of play, no regrets over the off-season trades that failed to nudge this team forward and stressed that all decisions are left in the hands of his basketball staff.

Cuban labeled the idea that this team will look to make wholesale changes as nonsense. That doesn’t mean there won’t be changes.

The word Cuban likes to use is opportunistic.

“My goal is to bring a championship to Dallas, and I’m going to do whatever I can to do that,’’ Cuban said. “In the 4½ years I’ve been here, I’ve learned there’s no template. You can’t just go out and say, 'OK, let’s go find the next Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal) and we’ll be there.' It just doesn’t work that way.

“You just have to keep on grinding it, grinding it, grinding it. There is never a short fix to get it done. We’ve made the commitment financially to do it.’’

Q&A WITH MARK CUBAN

Q: You can argue this is the first time since you purchased the franchise in January of 2000 that it hasn’t shown improvement. How does that factor into your evaluation?

A: “The reality is either you win a championship or you’re tied for last place. All this stuff about how far you get in the playoffs being an indicator of anything is nonsense.

“And just to set the record straight, there is absolutely no part of the evaluation process that says ‘OK, we got this far or that far.’ There are no plans to make any big changes. I’m not going to blow stuff up. You guys have got to come up with better questions.’’

Q: Still, the Mavericks advanced to the Western Conference finals last season. This team won only one game and went out in the first round. How do you sell that to the fans as not taking a step back?

A: “We sell fun. We don’t sell standards.

“Remember the first day I came in, we told everybody we’re trying to create value for fans, we’re trying to create a great experience for fans. The MFFLs (Maverick Fan For Life) eat, sleep and breathe the Mavs. If anything, with the quality of fans we have, I think they’ll be even more supportive, knowing how important their support is.’’

Q: Nash intends to opt out of his contract and become a free agent. How confident are you that you will be able to resign him?

A: “You never know dealing with agents. If it was just me and Steve in a room, I don’t think there would be any problem. But as long as there are agents involved, you never know.

“We love him. We love him to death. Steve, Dirk and myself, Nellie, the nucleus, we’ve grown together pretty much since the day I got here. He knows how important he is and how well he fits. He knows this team and this offense. This organization has developed around him and towards him. That’s a tough position to find anywhere else.’’

Q: Daniels becomes a restricted free agent. Are you concerned his strong performance late in the season will make it difficult to hold onto him?

A: “No, not at all. Unless somebody does something that is really out of whack. …

“I think Marquis really likes it here. We like having him. I think he realizes a big part of his development is his effort, but also having the support staff we have. Having guys like Mike and Steve and Dirk that can help him grow. And having his twin (Josh Howard).’’

Q: Do you feel the nucleus for a championship team is in place and it’s just a matter of altering the cast around the Big Three?

A: “I think we’ve got the Big Three and hopefully we have the nucleus for the next three. There is something to be said for having your Big Three with Dirk as the transition to the next Big Three.

“We still have some of the same holes we’ve had in the past. We just have to continue to build. Nothing has really changed. We’re going to continue to be opportunistic. But the emergence of Josh and Marquis will change the type of player we go after. We can go after a young big (man). We can do the same type of thing with a big (man), to try to develop somebody the way we have Josh and Marquis. Those are the type of things we will discuss.

“Having the rookies emerge has really stabilized things. It means we can keep the same people, do the same things, and have the older guys be there to help the younger guys. That’s the best scenario we can ask for.’’

Q: Are you satisfied with Nelson’s style or would you like to see more balance between the offensive and defensive side of the ball?

A: “Go back two years when we made our big trade with Denver. We struggled, but put big posters up about not allowing layups and worked on defensive drills. We had some stability (in lineup) and were able to put an effort into defense. Not today (Game 5), but in previous games, when we’re prepared and ready, we’ve shown good things can happen defensively. Shawn (Bradley) was hurt and never got in a groove this season. That impacted it.

“As I look at our roster versus other rosters, I don’t think that we’re at a significant disadvantage defensively. I think Nellie did the smart thing. He played to our strengths. That’s what he’s supposed to do. But again, having camp and time to work on things. We know what our strengths are, and we will work on our weakness. That will make us better defensively.’’

Q: So you don’t feel this team needs a shift in philosophy?

A: “Nope.’’

Q: You like the up-and-down pace?

A: “Yes. That’s what this team was built to do.’’

Q: Acquiring Antoine Walker and Antawn Jamison during the off-season clearly upgraded the talent on the team’s roster. Any regrets about what it did to the team’s chemistry?

A: “No. We would do them again in a heartbeat.

“How many games did Raef (LaFrentz) play? How many games did Nick (Van Exel) play? We would have had holes there, and we didn’t have anybody who could fill those holes. No disrespect to Nick or Raef, it’s just that they were hurt, and they suffered injuries that re-occurred.’’

Q: Do you like to step back for a few days before you begin the evaluation process?

A: “We try every day to evaluate. You don’t have to have a separate evaluation process because it’s the end of the year. You evaluate what you do going forward. Because of the expansion draft, you try to anticipate all the different options. That’s really what the focus will be, not why didn’t we do this or how did we do that.

“Contrary to what all of you guys say and write, I leave the basketball to the basketball people.’’

Q: So the decisions made in the coming weeks and months will be made by your staff?

A: “I’m not a basketball guy. You will never, ever hear me come in and say this is our new philosophy. We’re changing who we are and what we are.

“First of all, it would be ridiculous because we didn’t build a team toward that. You have to play to the strengths of players. That’s what Donnie (Nelson) is there for. That’s what Nellie’s there for and that’s what Del (Harris) is there for. I’m certainly not going to tell them this is the offense we’re going to run and this is the defense.

“Contrary to what everyone like to talk about, Donnie tells me, I don’t tell Donnie. Or Nellie tells me. I don’t tell Nellie.’’



__________________________________________________ ______



WHy come out and say these things so quickly?????

I see no good reason to jump the gun like this.

[Evilmav2]

Good job not listening to the panic mongers Cuban.

At this point of the Mavs development it would make no sense to implement wholesale coaching staff and personel changes, and I am glad Cuban seems to realize that. I'd definitely prefer to see our core return next year, and I was happy to see Cuban referring to the need to pick up a young big to grow up with our "New Big Three" (Daniels, Howard, Jamison?).

This is going to be an interesting and active offseason, but I am encouraged to see that a Cuban-instigated, team wide blowup looks unlikely.

[Simon2]

“We love him. We love him to death. <B>Steve, Dirk and myself, Nellie, the nucleus</B>, we’ve grown together pretty much since the day I got here. He knows how important he is and how well he fits. He knows this team and this offense. This organization has developed around him and towards him. That’s a tough position to find anywhere else.’’

No mention of Fin? In a way, I'm happy that Nellie is staying. Yes, he drives me crazy sometimes but you gotta admit that the Mavs are a fun team to watch. They are the gunslingers of the West. Shoot first, ask questions later. Nellie brings this to the table. I am also beginning to like the "cleanliness" of the team. There are no dirty players on the Mavs because Nellie doesn't tolerate that. I would love to cheer for SA but I hate Bowen. He's a dirty player. All the Mavs are good guys. Sure, Nellie plays weird lineups but you have to say that its fun to watch. The main reason I'm happy is I get to see Nellie get another crack at it. Hope he wins one with this style. This year is probably like the first year when the Mavs got NVE and Raef. They didn't too far in the playoffs. The next year, after a training camp, they went to the WCF. I'm banking that this year is like that year. With one more training camp under their belts, Jamison, Daniels, Howard and maybe Walker, will do better.

My only two wishes are:

1. Limit Walker's role and start Jamison
2. Trade Walker for a mobile big guy that can play center. No Dirk at center please

[MightyToine]

Originally posted by: Simon2


1. Limit Walker's role and start Jamison
2. Trade Walker for a mobile big guy that can play center. No Dirk at center please

I think Walker's role is already "limited"...

But I DO think Walk should be the 6th man, though....He just seems to be more of an ENERGY GUY coming off the bench...you know? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

[dude1394]

If walker is still on this team next year it will be another quick trip. ALTHOUGH they will be tougher down the stretch of games than they were this year.

[Simon2]

I agree. He needs to come off the bench.

Originally posted by: MightyToine

I think Walker's role is already "limited"...

But I DO think Walk should be the 6th man, though....He just seems to be more of an ENERGY GUY coming off the bench...you know? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

[grndmstr_c]

My biggest concerns going into this offseason are the FA's we stand to lose: Nash and Quis. I don't think we will lose them, but at the same time, it would be a mistake to take their situations lightly. For all the heat given to coaches, some of which is certainly deserved, you can't lose sight of the fact that you win championships with players. It's important for the future of the franchise that we keep Quis around, and it's essential that we either resign Steve or that we get a good sign and trade deal with him. Mark's stated commitment to continuity, while not without its pitfalls and dangers, is the best chance the team has at making sure this team keeps and/or obtains the players who can win a championship. I applaud Cuban for being proactive in this respect.

[Jeremiah]

Originally posted by: PepperTheMavsFan41

Q: Still, the Mavericks advanced to the Western Conference finals last season. This team won only one game and went out in the first round. How do you sell that to the fans as not taking a step back?

A: “We sell fun. We don’t sell standards.

“Remember the first day I came in, we told everybody we’re trying to create value for fans, we’re trying to create a great experience for fans. The MFFLs (Maverick Fan For Life) eat, sleep and breathe the Mavs. If anything, with the quality of fans we have, I think they’ll be even more supportive, knowing how important their support is.’’

this sounds good to me, 'cuz that's what I'm interested in buying. NBA championships are secondary in my mind.

[PepperTheMavsFan41]

Im convinced Nellie will be back next season. In return all of the big 3 as well.

This could be the "vote of confidence", but I Seriously doubt Cuban makes it this clear to David Moore of the DMN were he knows this will be printed in the 7th largest newspaper in the US. Then a week later fire Nellie. Cuban doesnt like to be told what to do, and EVERYONE is screaming for Cuban to fire Nellie.


One thing we have to realize is Cuban isnt Danny Snider. The only guy hes ever fired was Kevin McCarthy. Theres a big difference between trading NVE and Raef, from Nash, Fin and Nellie.


Ive said all along, "Ill believe it when I see it".

[PubaNWO]

Cuban is pretty smart....he maybe forced to say these things because he knows if the Big 3 are not brought back this team will have more "instability" and the fans will lose hope.

I see AJ starting and Howard or Daniels becoming a solid 6th man.

Big 3 will once again dominate again next year as all the distractions will be gone......

[Dirkenstien]

does anyone know who Cuban was referring to when he said the "new big three"?

[PepperTheMavsFan41]

Were does it say "New big 3"?

[Dirkenstien]

“I think we’ve got the Big Three and hopefully we have the nucleus for the next three. There is something to be said for having your Big Three with Dirk as the transition to the next Big Three.

This was the quote I was referring to but I must have read an interpreted the statement wrong. I understand what hes saying

[grndmstr_c]

I actually think he's talking about the transition to a Big 3 centered on Dirk with Quis and someone else around him (JHo or AJ, I assume)

[dude1394]

What he's saying is that dirk is 25 and in his prime. I think he believes that fin/stevie are on the back end at 30-31. In 3 years having for example dirk, jho, 'quis as a core with hopefully some more help is ok.

[dude1394]

Dang grndmastr_c I sort of re-stated the obvious there didn't I. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

[MightyToine]

Originally posted by: dude1394
If walker is still on this team next year it will be another quick trip. ALTHOUGH they will be tougher down the stretch of games than they were this year.

Quick trip where? To the bathroom?


Come on, Dude. HAVE SOME FREAKIN' MAVS FAITH!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]


MAYBE THE MAVS Will repeat their 60+ win season next year......Happened with NVE....NO reason why it can't happen with Walk and Jamison....

[dude1394]

Sorry MT. Walker just don't fit man. He can't play center and he can't play power forward and he can't play small forward and he can't come off the bench. Unless we move dirk, there's no place for him. And again I like the guy personally. But I want someone, anyone who will play the center next to dirk and do two things:
1. Knock dirk on his rear in practice and get him to play tougher D.
2. Knock bibby into next week when he comes in the lane.

Gotta happen...

[ddh33]

I like the attitude Cuban has right now. It's important to evaluate everything. The best thing for this team is most likely bringing back Nellie with a tweaked roster. We should know relatively quickly whether or not that is working, but I don't thinkwholesale changes are needed. In fact, I think it would hurt...

[MavsFanFinley]

At the bottom of this article (click on the link) they list some big men and the chances they end up in Dallas.

Big Men

Experiment a failure, Mavs look foward
Rejuvenated coach, players are already scheming to go further

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News

A little over a month ago, Don Nelson had a dreary outlook about his future.

It was a particularly low point of the season and he wondered about how long his run as Mavericks coach might last. Difficult seasons have a way of beating down even the most optimistic souls. Nelson was feeling whipped.

But after owner Mark Cuban said in the aftermath of the playoff loss to Sacramento that he expects Nelson to continue as coach of the Mavericks, the 63-year-old coach sounded like his battery was already being recharged.

"I signed on for three years [before last season] and I'm expecting to do my job," Nelson said Friday. "Absolutely I'm still fired up about coaching this team."

To prove it, he showed he still has his sense of humor, even after the Mavericks failed to get past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in four seasons: "I'm about the only coach in the league that hasn't been fired lately."

Cuban's support of Nelson, as well as his belief that building around the Big Three of Michael Finley, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki, came swiftly after Sacramento ended the Mavericks' season on Thursday night at Arco Arena. The coach is under contract, not under fire.

Rest assured, there is much to do for Nelson, the Big Three, the graduating rookies and whoever else is involved in the next edition of the Mavericks because there is no doubt this season was a failure.

"It's unacceptable," Nowitzki said after the Kings had bounced the Mavericks. "We have so much talent on this team. But this [the end] reflected the whole year. It never felt right."

Nash, who like Nowitzki and the other Mavericks left everything on the court in Game 5, analyzed the season as deftly as anyone. Adding good offensive talent to a team that already was overloaded with same did not work.

"This was an experiment that went awry," he said. "We need to change our identity. We need to be better defensively and have a few more role players. Sometimes, more doesn't always add up to more."

The Mavericks saw Mike Bibby streak into the paint or Brad Miller set up shop near the bucket. Adding offense wasn't, and isn't, the answer. As was heard many times, scoring is the last thing the Mavericks need. Yet that's what they added. And they paid a high price for their personnel mistakes.

"When you add Antoine Walker and Antawn Jamison to a team like this, and have all this firepower on one team, it's unreasonable [to go out in the first round]," Jamison said. "We know there are loopholes here and there on this team, but it's definitely unacceptable."

After winning 60 games last season and finishing two wins shy of the NBA Finals, losing to the Kings after a problematic regular season reaffirms that this league is cruel and disloyal. But the Mavericks have plenty of talent. It just didn't mesh this season. Because of that, a few things seem likely to happen this summer.

• They will aggressively try to trade Walker in some sort of package that they hope will yield a defensive-oriented center. But keeping Walker for the final year of his contract is an option.

• There could yet be changes in Nelson's staff, even though he will remain as head coach.

• Finding selfless role players who aren't afraid to play defense will be a priority.

"We have to get a little better defensively," Nowitzki said. "We talk about it every year, but we never seem to address it."

The Mavericks were 27th in field goal percentage defense this season, a large drop from last season. And a mysterious lack of toughness on the road, where they had a 16-25 record and were 0-3 in the playoffs, was maddening.

"All year long on the road, we couldn't find a way to win down the stretch," Nowitzki said. "Last year, we always had that confidence that we would find a way to win."

[MavKikiNYC]

Originally posted by: Jeremiah

this sounds good to me, 'cuz that's what I'm interested in buying. NBA championships are secondary in my mind.

Sounds like NYKs management to me.

"Throw 'em a T-shirt and they'll keep coming back, no matter how bad the ballin' is.'

From the NBA musical 'allas

Give 'em the old razzle dazzle
Razzle Dazzle 'em

Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it
And the reaction will be passionate
Give 'em the old hocus pocus
Bead and feather 'em
How can they see with sequins in their eyes?

What if your hinges all are rusting?
What if your defense's just disgusting?

Razzle dazzle 'em
And they'll never catch wise!

Give 'em the old Small-ball circus
Razzle dazzle 'em

Give 'em a show that's so splendiferous
Row after row will crow vociferous

Give 'em the old flim flam flummox
Nick van Exel 'em

How can they hear the truth above the roar?

Throw 'em a fake and a finagle
They'll never know you're just a bagel,

Razzle dazzle 'em
And they'll beg you for more!

Give 'em the old razzle dazzle
Razzle Dazzle 'em
Since back in the days of old Bob Cousy
Nellie's loved to play bam-booz-ly

Give 'em the old three-point circus
Stun and stagger 'em

When you're in trouble, go into your dance

Though Fin is stiffer than a girder
They let you get away with murder
Razzle dazzle 'em
And you've got next year's chance.

Give 'em the old
Razzle Dazzle

Razzle dazzle 'em
Give 'em an act that's unassailable
They'll wait a year 'till hope's available!

Give 'em the
Double Dirk-Steve whammy

Daze and dizzy'em
Show 'em the coaching sorcerer you are

Long as you keep 'em way off balance
How can they spot 'Toine's got no talents?
Razzle dazzle 'em

'Quis 'n J-ho 'em
Razzle dazzle 'em
And they'll make you a star!

[dude1394]

Hmmm... Hard to compare the mavs to the knicks to be honest.