nasty.

@kobebryant

Look at this basketball team owner

“What I don’t think people understand is that once a team hits the tax level the ability to improve our team is reduced dramatically. In addition, your ability to make trades is reduced. So basically, if we made the move to keep everyone together with five-year deals, the team we have today is going to be the team we have for the next five years. If we were a young team it would be one thing. But we are not a young team.

Again, I know this is tough for all of us after winning a championship. But we still believe as much as last year we are in a position to compete for a championship.

The difference is that with this approach, we can be in a position to compete for a championship this year and to reload and continue to compete in future years.

By just signing everyone to long-term deals, there is no chance of that happening.”

- Mark Cuban

(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Mark Cuban didn’t put the Larry O’Brien trophy down. Not even to go to the bathroom. 

Cuban is really living it up with his new baby. First he sleeps with it, and now he’s getting all fetish-y with it. Not sure if Stern hits him with a fine but I sure as heck hope he washed his hands after.

via LarryBrownSports

@Suga_Shane

“Do you think we won that trade yet?”

- Mark Cuban

Couple of last thoughts on the game itself, at least from me:

1. Haslem set a solid pick on Dirk, but by no means was the go ahead shot by Chris Bosh a bunny. Going into the playoffs if I had given this scenario to you(tie game, less than a minute, on the road, enough time on the shot clock to drive or pass), no one would have believed Bosh was the player burying that type of shot.

2. It’s hard to make it out —shitty screen cap, my apologies— but everyone in the stands is on their feet, except for a guy whose head is peeking out just to the left of the net…Mark Cuban.

Shots Fired! in the emerging Ron Artest-Mark Cuban feud

Dirk & Mark having a conversation.