Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is known for doing things differently. We hear a lot during free agency about how NBA teams have to essentially recruit players; on his blog, Cuban gives us some insight into the process.
During the pursuit of Dwight Howard during the NBA’s free agency period in 2013, we heard a lot about how interested teams were flying Howard and his handlers into their town for a meeting, hoping to woo Howard to sign with their team after dazzling them during a meet.
But what actually goes on in those meetings?
Cuban shared a video that was used to get D Howard to envision the brightest possible future for himself in Dallas. Here’s the video:
“Let me address here the inevitable question of Dwight vs Mavs culture. We saw it as somewhat of a risk, but felt like because Dwight by all appearances and checking we did, is a good guy and with our support systems we believed we could make it work. if not, he was obviously a very trade-able asset. But, as everyone knows, we didn’t sign him. He went to the Rockets. I do have to say the meeting with Dwight was very interesting. He is a smart guy. Much smarter than people give him credit for. He is also a very, very good listener. Unlike most people, he spent far more time listening than talking. And he had the best response to an opening question that I have ever heard from a player, or anyone for that matter. When we asked him what his goal was, his response was very specific ” I want to be Epic.”
Would i do it the same way again ? In a heartbeat. Why ? Because in the NBA, like in the non-sports business world you have to take chances in order to be rewarded. You have to be smart and you have to be more than a little lucky.
Even if you don’t like Cuban (see Kenyon Martin), you have to love his candor. On how he felt about the 2012-2013 offseason: “It sucked from every angle and was no fun for anyone.”
Cuban is the ultimate self-starter and the fact that he is so open about his perceived failures gives you a glimpse as to why he has been so successful.
Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but if you consistently put yourself in a situation to win and back it up with an unceasing work ethic, eventually you are going to be successful in your chosen area.
I think I just inadvertently talked myself into purchasing his book, How To Win At The Sport Of Business.