Cuban Defends Dirk, Rips Wade a New One

Dwyane Wade's shot at the leadership skills of Dirk Nowitzki set the Vegas line-makers scrambling to figure out how long it would take Mark Cuban to defend his big man. In the end, the over/under was set at 14.5 hours. I, of course, bet heavy on the 'under', made billions of dollars, and amnow thinking about buying an NBA franchise and growing mad facial hair.

Anyway, here is Cuban's response to D-Wade's remarks, via his blog:

I guess you have earned the right to criticize Dirk with an obvious display of your own leadership skills.

I know Shaq appreciates your leadership as well. He called out your team a few weeks ago saying it was "embarassing'. Great leadership DWade. Your coach sat players for being fat. I guess you couldnt lead them away from the buffet.

You are an amazing player Dwayne. I love watching you shoot free throws. What you know about Dirk's leadership skills is non existent. You don't have a clue. Your ability to evaluate leadership skills....well you obviously have an overinflated value of your own. Did you take business classes at Marquette?

Um, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say Cuban didn't hit the treadmill before sitting down and hammering out that response. Jesus, Mark ... breathe a little. I understand stepping up to defend your franchise player -- that's fair -- but next time you may want to consider including some [sarcastic] tags or "HIYO's" just so a majority of the readers know not to take your personal attacks on Wade at face. Just a thought.

But other than that, I freaking love it! In fact, to echo SI.com's Marty Burns, I, too, would like to thank Wade and Cuban for trying to add some much-needed spice to this regular season. Gilbert Arenas appreciates the help.