The Mavericks "won't be changing their uniforms and
logo until the" 2001-02 season, their first in the
AmericanAirlines Center, "if current plans hold," according
to Marc Stein of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Although
prospective team Owner Mark Cuban "wants to change the
Mavericks' look as soon as possible," NBA rules "mandate
that such changes be submitted at least one calendar year in
advance." Meanwhile, outgoing Owner Ross Perot Jr. has
given Cuban a desk at the team's Reunion Arena offices and
is "making sure [he] is getting as much access to the
Mavericks' inner workings as he needs" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS,
1/9). In Dallas, Stein wrote that Cuban was at Reunion
Arena on Saturday night for the Hawks-Mavs game and on
several occasions, he "ran through various sections of the
stands, imploring the audience to make noise." He was
presented with the game ball afterwards by Mavericks F
Cedric Ceballos (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 1/9). Team sources
say that the Mavs have had "discussions about the
feasibility of signing" Dennis Rodman. Mavericks coach Don
Nelson said that Cuban talks with him "daily" on the team's
player personnel (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 1/10). In Ft. Worth,
Jim Reeves wrote that Cuban invited him, along with several
other members of the local media, to meet for drinks in the
Mavericks Club before last Thursday's home game (FT. WORTH
STAR-TELEGRAM, 1/9). Also in Ft. Worth, Dwain Price wrote
on Cuban: "He has incredible energy and he has a laser focus
on the things that he turns his attention to. He has
infused the organization with a mission and a passion to
succeed" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 1/9).
SHAKE YOUR MONEYMAKER? In Dallas, Richard Alm wrote
that Cuban "stands a good chance of turning a profit" with
the Mavericks. Cuban, who said that he's "bubbling with
ideas" to increase the team's revenue: "There are zillions
of ways to make money. ... Basketball is the most
international of all the major sports, and the Internet is
the most international medium" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 1/8).
