The Dallas Mavericks just finished one of the most unsatisfying free-agency periods since last offseason. This franchise takes the cruel approach of dangling large swaths of cap space in front of its fanbase as if it might mean something.
The proverbial “big fish” such as Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have the decency not to feign interest in our community. Players such as Kemba Walker and Tobias Harris aren’t as quick to extinguish hope. The fact the Mavs can’t close deals with a Patrick Beverley or Danny Green just adds to the indignity. And that’s why I’ve decided to come up with a list of exactly why NBA players have zero interest in coming to what we believe to be a world-class region. I’ve also offered several solutions along the way:
- Players are not aware of White Rock Lake’s beauty and relative safety during peak hours.
- While superstars such as LeBron James love the Dallas Cowboys, they aren’t dying to move closer to them. Surely the citizens of Arlington are willing to offer tax incentives to potential free agents.
- There’s a decent chance Rondo has told pretty much everyone that Rick Carlisle is an asshole, which isn’t completely inaccurate (although I like the man).
- We completely overrate Mark Cuban’s celebrity and business acumen as a selling point. The promise of making a guest appearance on “Shark Tank” isn’t enough to overcome our shortcomings.
- Star players are taking a wait-and-see approach on Kristaps Porzingis after seeing him get roughed up by some Russian thugs via grainy footage.
- A perceived lack of nightlife in DFW, which could’ve been countered by Chandler Parsons had his career not petered out. Parsons came so close to luring DeAndre Jordan to DFW during the Texan’s prime, but was thwarted by a last-minute Clippers intervention.
- Ted Cruz
- The lack of film/entertainment options that exist in New York and LA. Mavs would be wise to tout Dallas’ proximity to Austin, which is considered the “third coast” by some in that industry.
- Having someone like Drake couldn’t hurt our chances, which is why the Mavs have to get Post Malone more involved in recruiting. The talented musician has name-checked Dak Prescott in a song. He could do the same for NBA players.
- The Mavs were led by the greatest European player of all time over the past two decades. Now, they have Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic. I would let Luka take the recruiting lead in the future and lean into the team’s European ties. Maybe Kristaps can help out once he re-establishes himself as a big-time NBA player.
- Come play in a media market that torches the local football team at every opportunity, but is somewhat soft on the Mavs due to Cuban hiring nearly everyone who once worked in newspapers.
- Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk played a huge role in getting the American Airlines Center built in downtown. Maybe our new mayor Eric Johnson can help turn Victory Park into a Jurassic Park-like atmosphere if the Mavs somehow return to the postseason.
- The Fabulous Forum and Madison Square Garden were famous for celebrities who sat courtside. The Mavs have to actively recruit local/national celebrities, other than Jerry Jones’ grandchildren. It’s sad when TV actor Kevin Sorbo (Hercules) is the best we can do. The Mavs need Dak Prescott and Zeke Elliott showing up all the time. Make sure affable security guards are in the vicinity.
- Cuban has been on the forefront of using technology to monitor the health and well-being of his players. The organization needs to do a better job of telling that story to potential free agents. Marc Stein of the New York Times is a busy guy and can’t be the only one entrusted with sharing these cutting-edge methods.
- Cuban needs to include some level of personal travel (two trips anywhere) on his private jet for players.
- Players are taking better care of their bodies than at any time in league history. Offering free agents the use of a full-time personal chef would stand out among owners. Or you could do a meal plan at Nick & Sam’s.
- It’s time to take a page out of the college basketball playbook and start hiring family members or close friends as staff members. Oklahoma State is on the verge of landing a 5-star player because the Pokes had the good sense to hire his older brother as an assistant coach.
- Remind players they have the option of lifetime employment, as Michael Finley and Dirk Nowitzki can attest.
- We have some of the best cuisine in the world. Lean into our Tex-Mex heritage and introduce players to Mia’s, Avila’s and Pepe’s and Mito’s.
- Cuban would be wise to build a world-class recording studio since NBA players have such a passion for the music industry. Mavs GM Donnie Nelson has dabbled in the business for years and would be a great resource.
- Play up the weather. Other than occasional straight-line 70-mph winds and two months (give or take) of intense heat, there’s a lot to like. Folks think LeBron keeps leaving Cleveland to chase titles, but I think he’s sick of the cold weather. It’s rarely cold in North Texas, and it can be gorgeous during the fall and spring.
- When not using Cuban’s private jet, there’s the fact DFW Airport is one of the most convenient travel hubs in the country. Pretty much everyone on the PGA Tour has lived here at some point because it’s so easy to get places.
- Buc-ee’s
- World-class schools for your kids. If Rick Carlisle didn’t love The Hockaday School so much for his beloved daughter Abby, he may have split town by now. You also have the alma mater of the late great Ernie Banks, Booker T. Washington, if your child is extremely gifted in dance, acting or singing.
- Some of the most prestigious private golf clubs in the country, including but not limited to Colonial, Preston Trail Golf Club and Dallas National.