(02-03-2025, 12:58 PM)RoyTarpleysGhost Wrote: Sports is entertainment.

As I've gotten older, I have become less obsessed with my teams and cared more about the overall product.  If I am enjoying watching an NBA game or NFL game, I will watch it.  I no longer feel like Jerry Jones is a moron and he's ruining the Cowboys so I have to boycott the NFL.  Or Nico is a moron and I hate this trade so I have to boycott the NBA.  I no longer enjoyed watching Mavs games because it was not entertaining basketball to me.  If we put an entertaining product on the floor (like more ball movement), I will watch it even if I think the chances of "us" winning a title are less.

(02-03-2025, 01:06 PM)ballsrchr Wrote: I'm flat still in shock.  This is probably the worst trade I've ever seen.  Nothing against Anthony Davis--he's a good player.  But Luka is a transcendent world class player.  Not somebody you trade away!  BUT...let's say I get a wild hair up my ass and decide to trade this player.  What do I get back?  At least a couple of great players and a pot load of first round picks.  But I would never trade this player so it is moot.  I would keep Luka...warts and all.

I say to myself that I'm not sure what I'll do.  The reality is I'll probably still watch the Mavs.  It's hard to quit doing something I've bee doing since the early eighties...day one.  I don't think Luka had anything to do with this trade.  If I find later that he did I'll be even more upset.  Till then I'll probably watch Luka play.  Problem is...he's now a Laker.  Hard to stomach...

I'm still in shock.  I feel like I've lost my dog...

(02-03-2025, 09:18 AM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: Option four - out as an NBA fan entirely - but if my gonzo theory is correct and the Mavs miss the playoffs (that's virtually assured - championship this year? ha!) *and* are gifted Cooper Flagg, I might end up drifting back. But of course if that happens, I will regard the NBA similarly to the WWE moving forward.

(02-03-2025, 02:07 PM)gomavs Wrote: I voted Option one, but should have voted Option four.

This trade is so OBVIOUSLY lopsided, that you have to consider that Nico Harrison knew it.  And, if he knew it, why on earth would he proceed with it?  One of 2 reasons: either he knew Luka was leaving anyway and was trying to get anything he could, OR he was directed to do so by the head honchos in the NBA.

I have seen enough suspicious stuff to believe that the answer is #2.  Remember how we were cheated (and I DO mean CHEATED) out of a championship in 2006?  A similar thing happened to the Sacramento Kings a couple years before that.  When there are lopsided trades, who is on the winning end?  The Lakers or the Celtics.  The League knows where the money/viewership is.

I have been a Mavericks fan since DAY 1!!! I suffered through the 1990's, when they were overall the worst team in all of professional sports.  I felt the pain of Steve Nash's leaving.  Things were so bad in the 90s that one time I wore a bag over my head to a game.  I was in the bleachers to glory in the victory over the Lakers in the Mother's Day Massacre.

Yes, I have come to the conclusion that, although more subtle, the NBA is choreographed just like the WWE.  So, you can watch it for fun, but don't get emotionally involved because the puppetmasters can break your heart whenever they want.

If I want a basketball fix, I will wait for the NCAA season, or watch old reruns.

I am out.

(02-03-2025, 03:52 PM)SkenfromLMF Wrote: Donnie Nelson doesn't look so bad anymore huh?

(02-03-2025, 04:46 PM)michaeltex Wrote: FWIW, just having this forum to follow, read other's posts and find out that we are all feeling the same things has really helped the last few days. I sincerely appreciate the sharing and support. That has always been one of the best things about this group and I hope the team gives us enough reasons to keep it going.

(02-03-2025, 03:52 PM)SkenfromLMF Wrote: Donnie Nelson doesn't look so bad anymore huh?