Mavs 113, Rockets 100

[DanSchwartzgan]

It's honestly quite baffling. Does Tim's ego really need that kind of massaging?  

His wallet certainly does.  Saying out loud that Tim is considered a "starter" and will get starter minutes is a signal that Carlisle gets the financial ramifications of any perception that THJ's role has been marginalized.  It is a BIG deal...like $10-$15 million BIG.  

This summer is Hardaway's last big pay day.  The board had a discussion recently about the perception around the league among players.  Hard to answer since most of us are presumably not NBA players.  But I guarantee agents (and probably some players) will look at the year Tim had and see this as taking money out of his pocket.  Finessing the communication around this is important.