Fansided

Worst moment in each NBA franchise’s history

By Brad Rowland

Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash is present for the opening ceremonies as the Vancouver Whitecaps celebrate 40 years as they host the San Jose Earthquakes before the start of the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash is present for the opening ceremonies as the Vancouver Whitecaps celebrate 40 years as they host the San Jose Earthquakes before the start of the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Mavericks – Letting Steve Nash walk to Phoenix

Mark Cuban didn’t believe. Steve Nash was 30-years-old during the summer of 2004, and with a number of miles on his body, Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks organization did not think that Nash’s back could hold up over the duration of a new (and lucrative) contract.

As a result, Nash went looking for a deal elsewhere, and the Suns came to bat with a five-year deal for more than $65 million. Dallas was then reportedly given a chance to match said offer, but Cuban and his basketball people declined to do so. Nash has been vocal in that the offer from the Mavericks was somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 million (!) less than Phoenix’s proposal.

From there, you know the story. Steve Nash went on to transform the NBA’s offensive philosophy (with the help of Mike D’Antoni) while in Phoenix, and the point guard from Canada claimed two NBA most valuable player awards as a member of the Suns. The Mavericks, at least in theory, got the “last laugh” with an NBA title several years later, but it’s difficult not to wonder what could have been had Nash and Dirk Nowitzki stayed together.

The Mavericks have enjoyed a great deal of success throughout the Mark Cuban era, but if he had to do it over again, it is safe to assume that he would have paid virtually any number to keep Steve Nash around for the rest of his prime.

Next: Denver Nuggets

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