(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks got their first win of the season on Wednesday.
But more than that, they got bragging rights over one of their biggest rivals, the San Antonio Spurs, all while spoiling Victor Wembanyama’s long-awaited debut.
That’s why team owner Mark Cuban didn’t waste the chance to take a petty shot at the French standout after the game.
According to Brad Townsend, the business mogul said, “Number one overall pick Dereck Lively,” as he was walking off the court, although he adds that he was “half-joking.”
After exiting the court, Mark Cuban flashed a big smile and said: “Number one overall pick Dereck Lively.”
He was half-joking, obviously, but point made — and taken.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) October 26, 2023
Lively was the best rookie big man on the floor last night, at least stat-wise.
The No. 12 pick finished the night with 16 points on 7 of 8 from the floor to go along with ten rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.
Wembanyama struggled to get on the scoreboard and with foul trouble, although he did manage to make some elite defensive plays and got hot late in the game.
Needless to say, Lively isn’t expected to have a role as big as Wembanyama’s, and it’s not like this is going to be the start of a rivalry like Magic vs. Bird.
If anything, Wemby’s comparison will most likely always be Chet Holmgren, as they both have similar games and builds.
At the end of the day, Cuban was joking, but you better believe Wembanyama will keep receipts and will look to make a better impression when these two teams square off again later in the season.
The post Mark Cuban Took A Jab At Victor Wembanyama appeared first on The Cold Wire.