Ian Begley, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Mark Cuban takes jab at Derek Fisher

DALLAS -- Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban took a subtle shot at New York Knicks coach Derek Fisher before Wednesday’s game.

Cuban was asked if he was concerned about Fisher’s commitment to the struggling Knicks, who have dropped 10 of 12.

“I’m more concerned with his health and welfare. I know how hard it is for him to fly and travel and be away,” Cuban said sarcastically.

Cuban’s sarcasm was a reference to Fisher’s decision to leave the Dallas Mavericks midway through the 2012-13 season and later sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The outspoken Mavericks owner expressed disappointment with Fisher’s decision at the time.

“It's not so much what he did, but how he did it,” Cuban said at the time.

Fisher played nine games with Dallas in 2012-13 before asking to be released because he said he was having a difficult time being away from his family in Los Angeles.

Fisher signed with the Thunder on Feb. 25, a little more than two months after the Mavericks granted his request to be waived.

Cuban said at the time that he hoped Fisher would get booed in his return to Dallas.

Cuban also touched on ex-Knick Tyson Chandler. He said he never doubted that Chandler would bounce back after he suffered through a leg injury in 2013-14 that sidelined him for 20 games.

“I saw bounce in his step afterwards. After the injury, there was nothing there,” he said. “I had no question in my mind, none.”

Cuban also said he never thought the Mavs had a legitimate shot to land Carmelo Anthony as a free agent over the summer. The Mavs didn’t offer Anthony a max contract. Anthony ultimately signed a five-year, $124 million deal with the Knicks.

“He had more money from New York and if [Anthony’s answer to Dallas] wasn’t immediate -- I’m in, let’s go, let’s close this thing -- chances are it’s not going to happen,” Cuban said.

On Phil Jackson taking a job as Knicks president, Cuban said, “Good for him. He has [fortitude] and he has confidence. I give him a lot of credit, that’s a good thing. You know, if you keep on challenging yourself things stay fresh and interesting. [And] that’s good for [fiancĂ©e] Jeanne [Buss].”

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