Mark Cuban v. Dwayne Wade

You have to love Mark Cuban. What other NBA owner (or any other pro team owner, for that matter) would come to the defence of his star player Dirk Nowitzki. For those who missed it, Dwayne Wade accused Dirk of being the reason the Mavs lost to the Heat in last year's NBA final due to his inability to come through in the clutch. Cuban responded on his web pages by questioning Wades leadership ability and defended Dirk's leadership skills. Both guys were wrong, but what the hell - it made for great press.

Nowitski didn't have the best series but Wade was terrific and in a short series, he has shown an ability to be the kind of player who can carry a team on his back. The fact tha6 he had help didn't hurt and some questionable officiating also led to the manner in which the final result was obtained. Cuban alluded, indirectly, to these "uncommon elements". Wade should have kept his mouth shut. He is a great player, one whom I called the best in the NBA last year, and he generally exudes "class" both on and off the court. My take is that he is not very "media savy" and may have let bis thoughts get away from him. An apology might have been the best thing to do IF it was done immediately, but now it's a tad late.

Cuban was right to defend Dirk, but to take personal shots at Wade, one of the top drawing cards in the NBA was trivial and consistent with the playground attitude that Cuban has shown during his tenure as owner. It's ok to say that Dirk is a great leader, shown by the fact he carried that team to the NBA finals, but to start questioning Wades ability to lead doesn't quite cut it, particularly when Wade sports a championship ring these days. But I love the controversy. Even the Fan590 in Toronto spoke of it Monday morning and that morning show talks hockey, hockey, hockey, even in the middle of July with the Jays in the running, Wimbledon playing, and NFL teams at training camp.

So Cuban got what the NHL can't - exposure!