Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban had a plan last summer, he executed it and he won't apologize if someone doesn't like it. After winning his first NBA title, Cuban chose not to extend a long-term offer to center Tyson Chandler because he felt it hurt his chances at greatly improving the franchise this summer.
Despite Chandler's success with the New York Knicks thus far this season, Cuban has no regrets about the decision.
"You got a plan and you stick to it," Cuban told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Tuesday. "Tyson's a great player, and it's no reflection on him."
Cuban only offered Chandler a one-year deal because the goal all along was to take advantage of a free agency class next year that could include superstars like Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard and New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams.
"We wish T.C. the best," Cuban said. "We wouldn't be champions without him, and the show goes on."
Chandler has started 38 games for New York, averaging 11.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 1.0 steals and 0.9 assists. Aside from the rebounding number, his averages are either equal to or above his career-highs.
While talking with reporters in Dallas on Tuesday, Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni sounded surprised his club had a shot at Chandler, a player he said was "as good as any center in the league."
"I didn't know their financial [situation], what they were thinking about the future and how they structure the cap," D'Antoni said of the Mavericks. "It's hard for me to say. I don't think [Cuban] did it because [Chandler] didn't give him anything [on the court]. I think it was other reasons, not a basketball reason. Maybe future plans, a future way to go get guys."
D'Antoni added: "We didn't know we could get him. I didn't think he would be available. Nobody did."
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