In this ESPN video, J.A. Adande spoke about the chances that Dirk Nowitzki stays with Dallas, Mark Cuban, and key factors that have been and could be in play with regard to the Mavericks' lack of luck in free agency. Here are the highlights:
- Though Dirk recently stated that he "belongs to this city," the star forward could be give himself the option to leave Dallas if Cuban isn't able to surround him with players that would make the Mavericks a title contender again.
- Although the team preserved cap space by acquiring players on short term contracts after striking out on their major targets last summer, Adande wonders what would happen if they miss out again. With the likelihood that both Dwight Howard and Chris Paul stay with their respective teams, it remains to be seen if Dallas can land premium free agents this year.
- Interestingly, Adande points out that not being able to play for Team USA put Dirk at a recruiting disadvantage, specifically because it didn't allow him to form the same type of friendships that certain other players – namely LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh – did while spending time on the Olympic team together before the summer of 2010.
- The appeal of Dallas as a free agent destination may have taken a hit considering that the franchise didn't necessarily reward the players that eventually led them to a title, in addition to the fact that they lost out on free agents afterward.