Yesterday was the 2nd episode of “Any Given Wednesday With Bill Simmons“, and our fearless leader Mark Cuban joined him on the show. As usual, Cuban was a must listen to and dove into multiple issues regarding the Dallas Mavericks and other story lines.
Simmons: When you took over that team, owners were mostly heard, but not seen. Here’s what you did since 2000. Chartered planes, fancy locker rooms, nice hotels, practice facility that is like state of the art, analytics, cryogenic therapy, mics on the rims, giant coaching staffs. Your plane for the Mavericks has oversized seats, training room, film room, weight room.
Cuban: That’s not true. I put that out there, because I knew everyone would pick that up.
Simmons: Not to blow smoke up your ass, but I don’t think you get enough credit. Sitting on the bench, I know I made fun of you a few times.
Cuban: That’s okay.
Simmons: I’ve heard about those owners meetings that you guys have. The level of egos, and the level of testosterone and dick swinging…is off the charts.
Cuban: Oh yeah, we all have to put it right on the table. When I went to my first owners meeting, I’m like David, “Do I have to wear a suit?” Then I get there and nobody talks. Everything was preordained. I asked David if I could talk. It all went down hill from there. I won’t mention the owner, he’s deceased now, but one guy one meeting, he goes, “Shut the fuck up. You’ve never done anything in this league. You don’t know shit. Just stay the fuck out of the way.”
On NBA teams vs big time companies:
Cuban: Did you watch the Cleveland parade? Apple could have the largest market cap in the world. Google could have the best quarter in their history. Nobody is throwing a parade. When the Cavs came back, the whole city was on fire. The value to that city of just how the people felt. You know when we won the championship, the whole city was on fire. I say it all of the time. I don’t own the team. North Texas owns the team.
Simmons: Your team was valued at $1.4 billion. I’m pretty sure you’re turning down $1.4 billion.
Cuban: Oh yeah. I mean, I’m turning down anything. But yeah…
Simmons: You’re turning down anything?
Cuban: Yeah
Simmons: Like, would you turn down $3 billion?
Cuban: Yeah.
Simmons: You’d down $3 billions?!
Cuban. Yeah. What do I need $3 billion for?
Author, Malcolm Gladwell, who was a guest on the show, couldn’t believe the response from Cuban. His reaction?
“I just want, at some point in my life, to say the words, ‘What do I need $3 billion for?'”
We all do Malcolm. The bottom line is it seems that Mark Cuban isn’t going anywhere. I, myself, find comfort in that. He’s not only good for the Dallas Mavericks organization, but he’s great for the NBA.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login
You must log in to post a comment.