(06-25-2021, 09:57 PM)mavsluvr Wrote: I find the Kidd hire puzzling on a number of levels. It seems like Cuban is just trying to re-assemble a cast of characters who were around in his high point as an owner, and hoping that they can reprise that magic, ten years later and in roles where they don't have experience/a track record.
I lean more towards the interpretation that Cuban is continuing his long-time efforts to build a player-friendly organization.
He replaced a coach that rubbed lots of players the wrong way with one they love. He hired a new GM that players universally respect. He groomed a former player into a lead role in the front office, brought in another as a consultant, hired one as the head coach, is looking to add one or more to the coaching staff, has hired several to coach the G-league team, and regularly rotates them through the media team. And to the extent that he clearly favors former Mavs, I see that not so much as naive nostalgia but as a fulfillment of his long time MFFL promise to take care of his own. Whatever criticism one might have about the merit of specific guys at certain positions, that's unquestionably a strong team-centric culture that is obviously very deliberate. Mark is one of the most player-friendly owners in the league, and it's not just talk.