Mark Cuban has done some questionable things during his career. None may be more questionable than what he did this afternoon. After just three and a quarter seasons with the team, he's been fired.
Right now, Avery Johnson has the highest win percentage in NBA history (.735) with the minimum 250 games experience. It didn't take long after the 4-1 series loss to New Orleans for Cuban to make his decision.
I just don't understand the move. Who is Cuban going to look to hire now? He isn't going to find a better coach out there or one at Avery's level.
In four years with Dallas, Johnson compiled a regular season record of 194-70 and postseason record of 23-24.
"It is never easy to relieve a coach of his duties, especially one of Avery's caliber," Cuban said in response to the move. "He is a talented coach and I want to thank him for his efforts over the last four years and what he has done for this franchise."
Cuban can more blame himself for the Mavericks’ troubles by making the Jason Kidd trade. I thought this trade was stupid from the start.
- B/R Ticket Guide
They gave up far too much for Jason Kidd. Kidd is old and past his prime. The Kidd-Paul match-up was so one-sided, it didn't even seem fair. You can read about the Kidd trade here.
After the Kidd trade, the Mavericks were 17-17 counting the playoffs. Before the trade, the team was 35-18. I'm not going to say anything else about the trade.
Now the Mavericks are two years removed from their finals’ appearance and without a head coach. They have a 35-year-old point guard on the decline of his career and an All-Star that is just plain frustrated.
Cuban better have something good up his sleeve, or next year, it will be another first round exit for a new coach.
With the news that D'Antoni is walking out in Phoenix, there are potentially two great coaches on the market. The Bobcats are upgraded this week, hiring Larry Brown to mold that young team.
Mike D'Antoni and Avery Johnson have plenty of coaching left in them and hopefully they get picked up very soon.
The Mavericks are a veteran team and need some youth to shake up the roster. I like what Brandon Bass was able to provide for them this year, finally coming out of his shell.
Their starters for next year right now are:
Jason Kidd (turns 36)
Josh Howard (turns 29)
Jason Terry (turns 31)
Dirk Nowitzki (turns 30)
Erick Dampier (turns 33)
They only have three players on the roster under the age of 25. For Mavericks’ fans, I hope Mark Cuban knows what he is doing.
He just ran one of the best coaches in the NBA out of town for losing to the two seed in the first round and losing to the hottest team in NBA history the 2007 Golden State Warriors.
Good luck Cuban. You're going to need it.
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