Reigning NBA Champion Mavericks Honored in Ring Ceremony
After months of waiting, the members of the reigning NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks have finally received their championship rings.
As the Mavs set to take the floor on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a brief ring ceremony was held to honor the coaches and players who helped lead the franchise to their first-ever NBA title.
Mavs’ owner Mark Cuban chose this particular night because J.J. Barea, an integral part the Mavericks’ championship team and fan favorite, now plays for Timberwolves (though he was unfortunately out of the game with an injury).
“That’s why we did it on that day — just so it could be for J.J.,” Cuban told the media. “Because of all the players who aren’t here, he’d been here the longest and obviously was a big part of who we are.
Also in attendance from last season’s championship team was the recently retired Peja Stojakovic, whose clutch shooting in the playoffs helped close out the Lakers in the conference championship.
The rings, which are 14 karat gold and emblazoned with each player’s name as well as the old and current Mavericks’ logos, cost Cuban $1.4 million, $40,000 each. A total of 31 diamonds adorn the ring, representing the 31 years that the franchise was in existence before its first title.
Carlisle honored former Dallas Mavericks, Brad Davis, Rolando Blackman, and Derek Harper, now a member of the Mavs’ broadcast team, with rings as well.
Three members of last years’ team were unable to attend, as they are now members of other NBA teams: DeShawn Stevenson, Tyson Chandler, and Caron Butler. Each of these will receive their rings when their teams come to Dallas.
In all, 140 employees, including members of the support staff and front office personnel, will receive rings, with the coaches and players receiving the more expensive version.
This summer, Cuban told the media that he wasn’t certain as to whether he would buy the team rings or surprise them with something else, leaving many wondering what the eccentric Cuban could possibly have in mind. In the end, however, he decided stay with the steadfast tradition and honor them with rings after all.
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