Mark Cuban Still Mad About Derek Fisher’s Departure From Mavericks in Favor of Knicks

Mark Cuban Still Mad About Derek Fisher’s Departure From Mavericks in Favor of KnicksWhen

When Derek requested that he be given a break from his duties so that he could attend to his family after coaching for nine games in 2012-13 season, Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban thought the first year coach would be away for a short while. Little did Cuban know that Fisher was using his family as an excuse to leave Mavericks and pursue greener pasture elsewhere.

Cuban was later disappointed when he saw his former coach working with New York Knicks.  NY Daily has learned that the entrepreneur is still mad about Fisher’s move to this date.

The hard feelings were confirmed last Wednesday when Mark was approached by reporters while testing an exercise machine inside Mavericks workout hall.

When he was asked whether he was worried about Fisher’s absence especially now that their performance has declined, Cuban was very sarcastic while at the same time trying not to show that he was angered by his former Coach’s decision.

“No. I’m more concerned with his health and welfare. I know how hard it is for him to fly and travel and be away.”

Mavericks had earlier intended to sign in Carmelo Anthony but later changed their mind and settled for Tyson Chandler when the Knicks star hesitated in accepting what was put on the table.

Cuban thought that Anthony declined to accept his offer probably because it could not match what he was getting at Knicks.

“Yeah, we felt so confident we signed Chandler (Parsons) before (Anthony) made his final decision,” Cuban joked. “When you make a decision like that either you’re all in or you’re not. And if you have second thoughts in any business, you come there to win.

He had more money from New York and if it wasn’t an immediate, ‘I’m in, let’s go, let’s close this thing,’ chances are it’s not going to happen.

“No, he didn’t say yes. Anytime someone doesn’t say yes to you, but you’re ready to close the deal — I’m from that ABC school of selling, always be closing — and, you know, I didn’t even think I was getting the steak knives . . . for the fans of ‘Glengarry (Glen Ross).”

Despite the fact that Anthony declined to accept his offer, Cuban argued that he was more than thrilled to have a chat with the star on July 2. 

“I was really pleasantly, not surprised, but I was impressed with him and his business demeanor,” he said. “I never talked to him before, so it was a chance for me to really get to know him a little bit. And it was great. So it was worth it.”

Concerning Phil Jackson’s return to Knicks as the president, Cuban acknowledged that the incoming leader has what it takes to take the team to another level. “We’ve got enough to keep ourselves busy in the Western Conference. He hasn’t been real vocal that I’ve seen. So, no repartee, as much as I’d like,” Cuban said.

“Good for him. He has (guts) and he has confidence. I give him a lot of credit, that’s a good thing. You know, if you keep on challenging yourself things stay fresh and interesting. That’s good for (fiancee and Lakers executive) Jeanie (Buss).”