Cuban Set to Sign Refs
Upset over his team’s early exit from the playoffs, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has come up with a new strategy that he thinks will help his team win in the postseason: adding referees to his roster. Cuban believes the officiating was partly to blame for the Mavericks, ranked second in the Western Conference, falling to the seventh-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the first round Thursday night. Cuban, who in the past has been very vocal and critical of NBA officiating, contended the Spurs received more calls in their favor, especially when playing at home. Last year, Dallas defeated their in-state rivals and many expected the Mavericks to advance deep into the playoffs, especially after a mid-season trade for forward Caron Butler.
In a highly-anticipated offseason in which some of the league’s best players will be available as free agents — such as Cleveland’s LeBron James, Chicago’s Dwyane Wade and Toronto’s Chris Bosh — Cuban will eschew pursuing a prominent player and instead make offers to a few of the NBA’s top referees.
Cuban's found a way to "fix" his team.
“For years, we’ve tried to acquire better players, in hopes of getting past these refs. Looking back, it was foolish. This isn’t baseball, you can’t buy a title. At least not with players. The solution was staring me in the face the whole time: get the guys that make the calls. Players only have so much control over the outcome.”
Cuban declined to name his top candidates, but sources say at the top of his list are: Dick Bavetta, Bennette Salvatore and Joe Crawford. He might also look at Steve Javie and Eddie Rush. All of these officials have been in the league for at least two decades, so it seems Cuban’s preference is for a seasoned crew.
While some worry that yet another move could be harmful to the team’s chemistry, Cuban clarified that the core of his current roster won’t change. “It takes a three-man crew to officiate a game. So all I’m looking to add is three guys. Maybe a fourth if we can move [center Erick] Dampier’s contract.”
Additionally, Cuban doesn’t think it will be a big adjustment for the players he does retain to step onto the court with their new teammates. “Jason [Kidd] and Dirk [Nowitzki] are veterans. Initially, there might be some confusion about who they should complain to after they miss a shot, but I expect them to adapt quickly.”
In fact, Cuban sees only advantages to having the refs and players suit up together. “It’s going to cut down on our turnovers. Traveling calls will be a thing of the past. It’ll be like having a team full of Michael Jordans,” said Cuban, referring to the retired superstar who was never called for taking too many steps.
Cuban concedes there might even be unexpected perks. “If at the end of the game we really need a timeout, but we don’t technically have any left — who knows — we just might be granted one.”
If Cuban does go forth with his plan and it works, no one is sure what the league’s response will be. Will the refs on the Mavericks still be considered refs or will they be regarded as players? Either way, Cuban is prepared. “Even if they [the NBA] send a crew, who are the refs likely to side with? Their peers — other refs. It’s human nature. I’m looking to exploit their bias — and I’m willing to pay good money,” he added.
Cuban’s strategy is unconventional and likely to find its share of detractors, but he is convinced it is the right method. “I’m simply applying the old saying, ‘If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Only I’m having them join us.”
When asked if his tactic might be considered cheating, Cuban replied, “That’s for the refs to decide.”
