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To: Mr. Mark Cuban, Owner Dallas Mavericks

From: Gregory Dix Columnist Slam Dunk Central

Subject: How To Get That Championship Ring

Dear Mr. Cuban, 

Some believe the Dallas Mavericks are a legitimate contender for the 2008 NBA Finals. The Mavs are currently 20-11. The record may indicate that they are a winning team but that is a far cry from greatness. The always tinkering Avery Johnson has been bringing Jason Terry off the bench and starting Devin Harris. Devin Harris is a decent PG averaging 13.7 PPG, 5.4 AST, 31.4MIN, and A/TO ratio of 2.43. In recent months trade rumors have been swirling about Jason Kidd. When you compare Devin Harris’ numbers to Jason Kidd’s you realize Harris is an average player with some upside. Jason Kidd is averaging 11 PPG, 10.4 AST, 37.3 MIN, and A/TO ratio of 2.87. Jason Kidd’s ability to dish the rock could propel an NBA franchises to prime-time. Now this may be an unfair comparison, but this point needs to be made, how can the Mavs truly contend for a title with an average PG?

The Mavs live on the perimeter. Without a PG who can penetrate and create space for Josh Howard and Dirk Nowitzki they will struggle against the Spurs. Josh Howard’s best attribute is his tenacious defense. He has however became a fine shooter and an athletic scorer in the Richard Jefferson mold. Kidd would open up Howard’s driving lanes and enable him to unleash the true beast. A Maverick in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is defined as “an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party.” Though the Mavericks defied NBA logic last year, shooting the leather off the ball, they have now crashed to normalcy. They are no longer the definition of a “Maverick,” instead they represent the ordinary. They fall into the lump of good but not great Western Conference Teams- Mavs, Suns, Nuggets, Warriors, Hornets, the Jazz, and my feisty Blazers.

MR. Cuban, in order to get Kidd the Mavs would have to give up either 1) Terry and Harris or 2) Howard and Harris. I don’t think that you would be willing to part with a promising young PG and a stud small forward. Growing up as a Philly sports fan Rocky was a legend. Since Philly has not had a sports championship in 25 years he became their champion. Adrienne, in Rocky 2, had the right idea. As she laid there in a hospital bed she asked Rocky to do one thing for her “Win.” Mr. Cuban,you must do anything in your power to win a title. The Mavericks need to defy NBA logic once again and make this deal for Kidd. Unlike many NBA owners who just want to be competitive, deep down in your soul Mark, you want to win! So maybe you should spend January 1, (after all there are no NBA games scheduled) soul searching watching Rocky 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 (Rocky 5 does not count). Your team won 67 games last year. What did that get them? Nothing but being bounced out of the playoffs in the first round! Last year the Mavericks were favored to win the championship. Mr Cuban, it’s time to wake up! No one on your team is getting any younger. Dirk has lost some of his swagger that he played with last year. The evidence is his 30% three point percentage (42% last year) and 22 PPG (25 PPG last year). Stack’s game is more below the rim each passing year. Jason Terry is completely off kilter coming off the bench. The Mavs need energy and a renewed excitement. Jason Kidd would be that spark! Kidd wants to win! He isn’t getting any younger and he wants that ever elusive championship. Mark, as a die hard fan of the NBA brand, I beg of you to mend the broken fence. Listen to the fighter’s heart beating in your chest. Bring Dallas that championship it deserves! Bring Jason Kidd to the Mavericks! A Happy and Prosperous New Year to You and Your franchise!
  Sincerely Yours,
  Gregory Dix
  Columnist Slam Dunk Central

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