Mama's Boy Culture - The Problem with Mavs

[joesha1698]

The Dallas Mavericks have a culture problem, rooted in what Spencer Dinwiddie called “Mama’s Culture vs. Dad’s Culture.” Mama’s Culture involves owners and management being deeply involved with players—partying with them, discussing personal matters, and trying to create a family-like atmosphere. Dad’s Culture, by contrast, keeps a respectful distance and maintains healthy tension for accountability.

At the top is Mark Cuban, an overly involved owner who builds personal relationships with players, goes to clubs with them, and even discusses international politics with Kyrie Irving. He wants a family feel—Mama’s Culture—which can sometimes weaken accountability. Dad culture is what the old Chicago Bulls operated under with Michael Jordan: the owner stayed in the suite, and there was a bit of tension that drove competitiveness. And Michael Jordan was the ultimate accountability guy.

Now, let’s see how this affects the team. I said before that I believe Jason Kidd is a brilliant basketball mind given the cerebral way he played. However, he’s also a product of this Mama’s Boys environment. He was brought in to keep Luka Dončić happy (a business decision) and build an offense around Luka’s strengths. He seems reluctant to challenge Luka and players because the organization wants Luka comfortable until he signs a massive extension.

It’s not that Kidd can’t coach or make adjustments—he can. It’s that he’s hitched his wagon to Luka and doesn’t want to risk being the next Rick Carlisle, who got pushed out for being too demanding. Kidd is doing “step-daddy duty,” fitting right into Cuban’s Mama’s Culture. Players who are on the trade block still get minutes, presumably with approval from the close-knit front office. Meanwhile, Dad’s Culture—where coaches and management sometimes clash with players—can foster accountability that’s missing here.

Enter Luka and Kyrie. Tim Hardaway Sr. said they “aren’t leaders,” and there’s truth to that if we define leaders as those who inspire teammates to excel on both ends of the court. Luka doesn’t do that consistently because of constant injuries, conditioning issues, pouting, and weak defense. Kyrie is a spectacular talent but too nice at times, and Mama’s Culture doesn’t force the competitive edge out of him. Both players need a strong authority figure—like LeBron was to Kyrie—pushing them, sometimes uncomfortably, to reach their potential.

Whether they remain on the same team or not, Luka and Kyrie need an environment that holds them accountable—“Dad’s Culture.” This includes veterans who can still play at a high level and a coach they genuinely respect. Today’s NBA often lacks those strong veteran presences, which makes it harder for talented but sometimes complacent stars to flourish.

The Golden State Warriors had Draymond Green, who held Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson accountable, keeping them sharp and motivated. Steve Kerr is a good coach, but Draymond’s leadership was crucial in winning four championships. He wasn’t afraid to tell teammates to stop pouting, defend better, or take over a game. In Dallas, such accountability is missing. Instead, it’s Mama’s Boys culture, with a step-daddy coach who won’t discipline because “Mama” (ownership) won’t allow it. Even though Mark Cuban isn’t technically in full control anymore, Jason Kidd has bought into this culture for his own reasons. Changing coaches alone won’t fix the problem; the overall culture must change.

[joesha1698]

Note: Does anyone remember when Dallas won the ring in 2011 - Dirk telling Mark to back off from the team? I do.

[Mavrelous]

Note: Does anyone remember when Dallas won the ring in 2011 - Dirk telling Mark to back off from the team? I do.

I don't remeber that, but Dirk was very opinionated despite the nice guy personna.
Yeah, the team is full of nice guys, Luka and Kyrie aren't leaders, no one on the roster or on the bench is a leader except for Morris.

[joesha1698]

This is why I also believe people like Jimmy Bulter and Draymond Green are needed...salaries and age aside. These are the types of 3rd stars you need around guys like Luka and Kyrie. They are good enough to command the respect but also have the alpha personality to hold them accountable and challenge them. I also think its helps to have a coach who is allowed to coach and holds players accountable. However, I also believe when I look at some of the best teams, this is done on the court...Michael Jordan set a standard so high guys had no choice. As did Pippen. Draymond did the same thing for Golden State. A young Klay and Curry went out there and did their thing. Also Kidd is a good coach but he is also tough. He didn't call Klay a "superstar" like Jason Kidd did when he got here.

[joesha1698]

Note: Does anyone remember when Dallas won the ring in 2011 - Dirk telling Mark to back off from the team? I do.

I don't remeber that, but Dirk was very opinionated despite the nice guy personna.
Yeah, the team is full of nice guys, Luka and Kyrie aren't leaders, no one on the roster or on the bench is a leader except for Morris.

I don't wanna go as far as to say their not leaders. They are leaders in the sense they lead by example. They just led them to the finals. There are just different tiers of leadership. In my honest opinion, there are only two true superstars in this game who have reached that tier of leadership...because they command the full respect and inspire their teammates on offense, defense, and leadership...Giannis and Jokic and SGA is making a case but I just do not put him in that tier, yet.

[joesha1698]

Note: Does anyone remember when Dallas won the ring in 2011 - Dirk telling Mark to back off from the team? I do.

I don't remeber that, but Dirk was very opinionated despite the nice guy personna.
Yeah, the team is full of nice guys, Luka and Kyrie aren't leaders, no one on the roster or on the bench is a leader except for Morris.

Dirk also had a great work ethic. I don't remember him ever out of shape. He had fire in his soul.

[joesha1698]

Sports are basically games built off war, requiring strategy, positioning, and adaptation. A coach’s job is to maximize strengths, develop skills, and hide weaknesses whenever possible. Under the Mavericks’ current culture, we don’t see that fully happening. It’s not just about stacking talent; you have to consider personality fit—like adding a Jimmy Butler type who would hold Luka and Kyrie accountable. We added Klay and he's another guy that needs to be held accountable and it didn't sit well with him when Kerr did just that. You can’t simply bring in big names without considering how they’ll affect the team’s psyche.

[Bob8]

May I just add to this fascinating thesis, Mavs were in the Finals last year and Dirk has won 1 title not 5, he was almost 33 years old when he won it. He was soft white boy with 25 years and not legendary born leader.

I wonder how leadership can prevent broken hands, broken legs and calf tears?

And **** primadonna Jimmy.

[Apz]

Can we rename this thread to joeshas inner rumblings? Its manic again

[Archx]

Can we rename this thread to joeshas inner rumblings? Its manic again

Don't pay too much attention to it. Real Mavs fans know he got 90-95% of things wrong or he simply made it up. There are small bits i could agree on but everything else is simply absurd and wrong

[joesha1698]

Can we rename this thread to joeshas inner rumblings? Its manic again

Meanie

[joesha1698]

Can we rename this thread to joeshas inner rumblings? Its manic again

Don't pay too much attention to it. Real Mavs fans know he got 90-95% of things wrong or he simply made it up. There are small bits i could agree on but everything else is simply absurd and wrong

You know it was a good read.

[joesha1698]

May I just add to this fascinating thesis, Mavs were in the Finals last year and Dirk has won 1 title not 5, he was almost 33 years old when he won it. He was soft white boy with 25 years and not legendary born leader.

I wonder how leadership can prevent broken hands, broken legs and calf tears?

And **** primadonna Jimmy.

You need guys like Jimmy and Draymond

[Archx]

Can we rename this thread to joeshas inner rumblings? Its manic again

Don't pay too much attention to it. Real Mavs fans know he got 90-95% of things wrong or he simply made it up. There are small bits i could agree on but everything else is simply absurd and wrong

You know it was a good read.

Gave me a good laugh how little you actually know about history and current team lol. And then you went on and just made stuff up and presented them as facts, which was even more funny.

[HMFFL]

Note: Does anyone remember when Dallas won the ring in 2011 - Dirk telling Mark to back off from the team? I do.

I do.
Mark continued to be Mark.

Sent from my SM-S928U1 using RealGM mobile app

[HMFFL]

Kyries future concerns me. Is he staying or going after this season?

One big problem with this team is our frontcourt and our bench. If we intend on winning a title we need to raise the level of our shooting and increase our percentages.

PJ Washington needs to be packaged for value. We won't ever win with him as a starter.

Spencer Dinwiddie needs to go. Give his 8 attempts per game to someone else.

Give Daniel Gafford a few more minutes per game and shot attempts.



Sent from my SM-S928U1 using RealGM mobile app

[joesha1698]

Kyries future concerns me. Is he staying or going after this season?

One big problem with this team is our frontcourt and our bench. If we intend on winning a title we need to raise the level of our shooting and increase our percentages.

PJ Washington needs to be packaged for value. We won't ever win with him as a starter.

Spencer Dinwiddie needs to go. Give his 8 attempts per game to someone else.

Give Daniel Gafford a few more minutes per game and shot attempts.



Sent from my SM-S928U1 using RealGM mobile app

I think Spencer is a value add. You won't find many backups that can do what he did to OKC last night. I think we're simply asking too much of him. I think this team is built for a more pure pg when Luka is not in the lineup and we just don't have that guy. I think Kidd needs to do a little more coaching to keep Spencer from doing too much at times. Washington is inconsistent on offense a lot but still valuable asset to the team. I also think Washington could use some coaching to help him refine his shot selection and how he plays. If Washington just plays more under control - he could develop into a keeper. However, I agree w e have to consider all options if you want to get better - including move him.

As for Gafford he is a heck of a player. He's better than Lively right now. The problem is we just can't justify keeping him when you consider the other issues we need to improve on and the fact Lively is gonna have to play more minutes at some point.

As for Kyrie, I get the feeling he wants to stay. Dallas will have to pay him. I say a 2 year deal with a team option for 3rd or trade him next year. I say something gets worked out. This year will be a make it or break it year for a lot of guys. If we don't win - all options are on the table to improve.

[joesha1698]

I heard Gafford mention in the media recently that Kyrie gets knocked down a lot and the refs dont give him the benefit of calls. Its funny how I havent heard Kidd mention this once. This is concerning. What happened to the days where coaches looked out for their guys when their was unfair treatment? Just saying....

[41Dirk41]

I heard Gafford mention in the media recently that Kyrie gets knocked down a lot and the refs dont give him the benefit of calls. Its funny how I havent heard Kidd mention this once. This is concerning. What happened to the days where coaches looked out for their guys when their was unfair treatment? Just saying....

I remember him after Luka 6th fouls in G3 last year against Boston... No comment. He is a zombie.

[Apz]

Kyries future doesnt really concern me much. We got him for cheap, he been performing and been nothing but a professional leader. If he want to leave after his contract, so be it. Either its a snt and we get something back, or it open capspace (if it happens before lukas supermax extension). I dont think anyone on these boards atleast thought the gamble to get him would turn into to probably the best possible result