Tyson Chandler remembers when Mavs were a laughingstock

CLEVELAND – As a kid growing up near Hollywood, Tyson Chandler used to hear the late-night TV talk show hosts crack one joke after another about the hapless Dallas Mavericks.

But since Mark Cuban purchased the Mavs from Ross Perot Jr. on Jan 4, 2000, for $285 million, the laughing has stopped. An NBA title and 11 straight 50-win seasons later, Forbes Magazine has listed the value of the Mavs at a staggering $765 million.

Indeed Cuban, who bought the Mavs 15 years ago today, is getting the last laugh on what has been an amazing journey thus far for the Indiana University graduate.

"He’s a helluva business man,’’ Chandler said after Sunday’s 109-90 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. "From 15 years to take this franchise to where he’s taken it, my hat goes off to Cuban.

"I remember when I was younger, the Mavs were a bit of a laughingstock. Instantly, when he bought the franchise he made it exciting.’’

And when Cuban is in the room – any room – there’s never a dull moment.

"To take this business where he’s taken it in 15 years, I think if you start any business and you look up and 15 years you’ve grown and had as much success as this business has, any businessman would be happy with the success,’’ Chandler said. "I think he’s one of the best, if not the best, owner in the league as far as his innovation and what he’s brought to the game.

"The excitement, the in-arena things that he brings, always keeping the fans engaged. He puts on a helluva show.’’

When the Mavs acquired Chandler from Charlotte in the summer of 2010, he was coming off an injured-riddle season where he’d miss 31 games. However, the 7-foot center worked closely with the Mavs’ training staff and became the premier defensive presence on the team’s championship season.

"I’ve always told (Cuban) and everybody else, I have a lot of gratitude, I have a lot of respect and I owe a lot to (Cuban) and coach (Rick) Carlisle for what they’ve done for me,’’ Chandler said. "Because bringing me here coming off an injury season and having the belief in me and giving me an opportunity to anchor that 2011 team is memorable, and it’ll always be special to me.’’

This story was originally published January 5, 2015 at 1:12 AM with the headline "Tyson Chandler remembers when Mavs were a laughingstock."