Mavs' Mark Cuban deserves the title

By Bob Ryan, Globe Columnist

Not since the days of the owner-coaches, the Eddie Gottliebs and Lester Harrisons, has the NBA had an owner who has worn his heart on his sleeve to the extent Mark Cuban has since purchasing the Dallas Mavericks in January of 2000. Love him or hate him, you cannot say he doesn't care, nor can you say he hasn't done everything humanly possible to bring a title to Dallas. As an owner, he is every fan's dream. That's why I was hoping he'd get his hands on the Cubs.

His zeal has sometimes been counterproductive. I will always believe he was primarily responsible for his team's defeat in the 2006 Finals. He whined and moaned about the officiating so much -- not without some justification -- that he distracted his team. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

But he should have accepted that trophy from the commissioner. I know people will think he was being noble and gracious by allowing Mavericks founder Donald Carter to receive it from his long-time enemy David Stern, but I interpret the move as being petulant. If Al Davis could accept a trophy from Pete Rozelle, then Mark Cuban could accept a trophy from David Stern.

Anyway, he has presided over an organization that has won 50 games or more in each of the last 11 years (three times winning 60-plus), and now the Mavericks are rightful champions, having saved the basketball world from the tyranny of its resident Evil Empire.

So I offer my hearty congratulations to an owner who truly cares.