Mark Cuban didn’t exactly get a warm welcome when he joined the ranks of NBA owners in 2000. Just a few years after proudly transitioning from a Mavericks fan to the majority owner, Cuban was in a Board of Governors meeting facing some cold shoulders and harsh words. In a recent chat on The Big Podcast with Shaq, Cuban opened up about one of his early encounters, recalling how veteran NBA executives questioned his worth and claimed he hadn’t “done or won anything” yet. But Cuban wasn’t deterred. Over time, he earned respect the best way possible—by bringing a championship to Dallas, thanks largely to the loyalty and brilliance of Dirk Nowitzki.
Cuban’s journey has since reshaped the Mavericks’ brand, not just by the 2011 title but by setting standards for fan experiences that make the Dallas arena one of the NBA’s liveliest. Although he sold a major portion of his stake to the Adelson family, his commitment to the team and his voice in the league remain as strong as ever. Recently, on ESPN’s First Take, Cuban sparred with Stephen A. Smith over the ever-controversial “load management” debate. Cuban has long been vocal in his support for resting players, citing the grind of the modern game as being far more intense than it was in the past.
While the NBA implemented a 65-game minimum for award eligibility ahead of the 2023-24 season, Cuban remains unconvinced that heavy minutes are a fair demand, especially with postseason quality at stake. For Cuban, taking the heat for controversial opinions is nothing new—just another chapter in his fearless journey from the NBA’s newbie to one of its most influential voices.
