The 00-01 season marked the Mavs’ return to playoff basketball and they have been back every year since, with Dirk as the cornerstone of the team. After a first-round loss in the 03-04 playoffs, Nash left, hoping to win a championship in Phoenix. He is still waiting. The following season, the Mavs got one round further to the Semifinals, but Finley had seen enough and traveled south to the basketball dynasty San Antonio Spurs. He got his ring in 2007 with the Spurs.
But Dirk stayed. The franchise had never won, he didn’t have a superstar supporting cast, but he chose to trust that hard work and determination would prevail one day.
Cuban brought in a supporting cast and in 2006 Nowitzki got his first shot at the title. During Sunday night’s post-game interview he remembered how disappointing 2006 was, “We came so close in ‘06. It was the biggest disappointment in my life and in my career.” Cuban’s team lost the Championship, he personally lost several hundred thousand dollars in fines, and they could only watch as Commissioner David Stern gave their trophy to someone else.
But this year was different. Vindication. The realization of a dream 12 years in the making. There was no arrogant swagger, no gloating and no proving a point to anyone. He was humble, even in his moment of glory. THAT is how you win a championship.
We gave an 18-year-old kid $100 million dollars. He could buy anything his heart desired. Arrogance is free but all the money in the world can’t buy you humility.
There are no shortcuts to championships. They must be earned. Someone should tell that kid down in South Beach.
But Dirk stayed. The franchise had never won, he didn’t have a superstar supporting cast, but he chose to trust that hard work and determination would prevail one day.
Cuban brought in a supporting cast and in 2006 Nowitzki got his first shot at the title. During Sunday night’s post-game interview he remembered how disappointing 2006 was, “We came so close in ‘06. It was the biggest disappointment in my life and in my career.” Cuban’s team lost the Championship, he personally lost several hundred thousand dollars in fines, and they could only watch as Commissioner David Stern gave their trophy to someone else.
But this year was different. Vindication. The realization of a dream 12 years in the making. There was no arrogant swagger, no gloating and no proving a point to anyone. He was humble, even in his moment of glory. THAT is how you win a championship.
We gave an 18-year-old kid $100 million dollars. He could buy anything his heart desired. Arrogance is free but all the money in the world can’t buy you humility.
There are no shortcuts to championships. They must be earned. Someone should tell that kid down in South Beach.
Follow Kirsten on Twitter @call2thebullpen
