Mavs owner Cuban ‘fine’ with Stern stepping down

NY, NY, United States (4E Sports) – NBA commissioner David Stern will be looking back to the training he got from Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban when he retires in 2014.

Cuban further poked fun by claiming it took him a while to train Stern, after he learned of his “boss” stepping down from the post. For his benefit, Cuban says he was taught what kind of doughnuts Stern liked, and what makes him mad.

The interchange of knowledge, Cuban claims, created a positive overall impact for the league. But his teasing doesn’t end there.

He said maybe the league should in the future give the David Stern Trophy to the most fined in the season. Cuban did belt out a lot of roasting for Stern, who has slapped Cuban with a fine total that reached seven figures as a result of complaints over officiating.

Nonetheless, he praised Stern as a visionary. Maybe Cuban was just playfully responding to Stern’s comment that he had a lot of gray hair to show for Cuban’s 12 years as a team owner.

The Mavs owner does expect a smoother relationship with Stern’s replacement, Adam Silver, who he says will do a great job. Cuban did put his sarcasm on hold when he was asked about Stern’s legacy after 30 years in the commissioner’s office.

“I think it’s one of a focus on growth and recognizing that the NBA is in the entertainment business and that it’s a global product, not just a local product,” Cuban said, according to ESPN. “Whatever platforms that took us to, he was ready to go. He wasn’t protective at all. He was wide open. I think that was great.”

He also added that he and Stern had a lot of respect for each other, and they had the same goal in doing what’s best for the NBA.

“Like I told the board of governors, I anticipate saving a lot of money going forward,” Cuban said. “No, it won’t be the same going forward without David. David has his stamp … has left his imprint ingrained in everything about the NBA, so certainly there’s going to be a transition.

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