Ultimate Standings 2009: No. 46
Dallas Mavericks
Last Year's Rank: 19
Title Track: 72
Ownership: 33
Coaching: 62
Players: 57
Fan Relations: 52
Affordability: 43
Stadium Experience: 23
Bang for the Buck: 58
Just as the Mavs have transformed from serious playoff contenders to on-the-bubble residents in recent years, they're still formidable (though not dominant) in our Standings. For starters, too much controversy follows Josh Howard (weed admissions, mocking the national anthem). Then there's the trade that sent All-Star Devin Harris to the Nets for Jason Kidd, a single-digit scorer; the deal didn't even generate controversy -- it just kinda stunk. Sure, Mark Cuban threatened to trade the entire roster if players didn't deliver 100% every game (which prompted a Twitter dis from Gary Payton), but even that rant failed to convince fans that the owner can field a winner. Still, they appreciate his concern for their pocketbooks. Nonprofits and schools can create inexpensive outings to AAA, and discounts during "Rowdy, Loud and Proud" nights knocked some tickets to a ridiculous two bucks. "I want there always to be an option to go to a Mavs game for less than a Big Mac, large fries and soda," says Cuban. And not feel bloated afterward.
