Dallas Mavericks: Mark Cuban on opening facility and NBA returning

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban went on the 77 Minutes in Heaven podcast and discussed opening the practice facility, the NBA’s return, and more.

The Dallas Mavericks have not played in a game in nearly two months. The NBA halted play during their game against the Denver Nuggets on March 11. The Mavs went on to win the last contest before the suspension began.

Fans worldwide are wondering when live sports are going to return. The UFC is on the verge of staging an event this weekend. Things are slowly beginning to open up, but the NBA has released no definitive plan. They are still looking at options for the best way to safely proceed.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban went on The Athletic’s 77 Minutes in Heaven Podcast with Mark Followill and Brian Dameris to discuss a host of topics on May 6.

The interview began with a question on if Cuban planned to open up the practice facility to May 8 like a few other NBA teams are doing. See his response below.

"“Yea, it is not going to happen. The problem obviously is that because we can’t test people, then we can’t assure anybody’s safety, whether they’re basketball players or anybody else. Even though we can try to take different kinds of precautions, it’s just not worth it. Particularly when our guys are staying shape and they’re going outside and shooting on outdoor hoops and working out in various ways. So, I just don’t think the risk is worth the reward.”"

Dameris followed up by asking if the lack of testing put a damper on the NBA starting back up anytime soon. Cuban that this to say.

"“No, not at all. It is very binary. Once the tests are available, they are available, and we can have all the other things we need to do already in place. It’s going to take a little bit of time for guys to get in shape, but most of the league is young. So, it’s not going to be that challenging for them to get in shape. I mean remember, a full training camp now is three weeks. So it is not like it is an extended period of time.”"

The Mavericks owner expressed optimism throughout the interview that he believed things would be improving in the coming months.

Followill later asked if he should put stock in the bubble scenarios. Cuban made it clear that it is a real possibility, but not a guarantee. He also talked about changing the start date of next season and playing as many of the games remaining in the 2019-2020 season as possible.

Fans should take some time to listen to the full interview with Mark Cuban. He shares his thoughts on The Last Dance, stories of his time spent with Dennis Rodman, and more. It is a treat for all Dallas Mavericks supporters.