Will Mark Cuban fire Avery?
In my opinion, that would be a huge mistake. But the same media people around here who butt-pat Wade Phillips, Ron Washington, Jon Daniels, Dave Tippett, etc., are certainly hinting that Johnson must go, although few if any will have the guts to come right out and say it or write it.
Once Cuban and Avery had their verbal dust-up after the Lakers game last week, it added to the speculation over Avery's future.
Do remember, however, that Cuban and Big Nellie were not a happy couple, and after many blowups, hardly spoke in Don Nelson's last few seasons here. Cuban, of course, never fired him.
In his anger last week, Cuban should have waited until the next day before invading Johnson's office. In an emotional time, that was an amateur executive mistake.
Being mad, however, about the performance of the team is certainly Cuban's right as owner, as is telling the coach about it. But when Cuban questioned the playing time of a player (make no mistake, despite what you heard, the owner wanted less minutes for young Brandon Bass), then the fireworks began.
Based on those who overheard the screaming, Johnson told Cuban where he could stick it. It's a guarantee Avery is the only coach or manager in this town with the guts to stand up to an owner or GM.
By reputation in the Mavs' office, Cuban goes on constant rants with employees, then cools off, and moves on.
The best guess from here is there's no way Avery is fired. A better question, however, could be this:
Does Avery want to continue working for Cuban?
With three years remaining on his contract, could there be a mutual agreement for a buyout? At this point, anything is possible. Avery is definitely his own man. Excuse me, but I like people like Johnson.
It will also be an off-season with the Kidd trade as a negative focal point, and there's uncertainty about where the push came from to get the deal done in the first place. Strangely, Cuban handled the negotiations, not general manager Donnie Nelson.
It is assumed Johnson signed off on it, but when the internal finger-pointing begins, we may find out more.
http://www.star-telegram.com/287/story/546097.html