Avery Johnson Takes the Fall for Cuban's Incompetence

As the owner, Mark Cuban obviously has the right to do anything he wants with the Dallas Mavericks. And, if he wants to head in a new direction, then maybe it's the right move. However, if he is looking to drop the hammer on someone for the disappointing way the Mavericks' season turned out, there is only one appropriate person for him to fire: himself. Seriously, I've been saying it ever since it happened, the Jason Kidd trade was a basketball crime fueled by nothing more than a desire to sell tickets and jerseys. Cuban gave up the future, made the team smaller, paid out 30 million in luxury tax dollars, and brought in a new player at the most important position on the court more than halfway through the season.

Seriously, think about this trade:

The Mavericks get: Jason Kidd, Malik Allen, and Antoine Wright

The Nets get: Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop, Trenton Hassell, Maurice Ager, 3 million bucks, Keith Van Horn's decaying corpse, and TWO FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICKS (2008 and 2010).

TWO FIRST ROUND PICKS! For a first round playoff exit!


I understand that the Mavs weren't playing up to their potential at the time of the trade, and I understand that the moves the Lakers and Suns made left other Western Conference fans calling for their respective teams to beef up. But, in these situations the burden is on the team executives not to get swept up by the hype. This trade was absurd. Jason Kidd did not provide the Mavericks with anything that Devin Harris could not have during these playoffs. The 35 year old Kidd was outplayed by Chris Paul every night and was even ejected from Game 4.

Let's not forget that this is the same guy (Cuban) who had a falling out with Don Nelson because of his refusal to match the Suns offer for Steve Nash. Now, it seems that Avery Johnson is the next coach to be the scapegoat for Cuban's missteps.

I don't mean to harp on this trade every week, I just can't believe how ridiculous it is. All I ever hear about is what a great owner this guy is. And he has turned that franchise around. But, this move was horrible. Totally unthinkable. It wasn't a roll of the dice gone wrong, it was a large, metal door slamming shut on the Mavericks future.

Again, if Cuban wants to move in a new direction, then I have no problem with the firing. However, I think it will be hard to move in that new direction when you're without a first round pick in two of the next three drafts. Johnson cannot be blamed for the way this season ended. This was not a championship team.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go to the TD Banknorth Garden and heckle Al Horford.