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A Mavericks fan made headlines this week by painting a mural of superstar Luka Doncic. That artwork was met with criticism from Dallas owner Mark Cuban, leading to an exchange between the two parties.
A chain of emails has been released to the public, and it’s now making its way around social media.
The mural, which the NBA owner calls “disrespectful,” shows Luka holding up a sign that reads, “Please send help.” The painting also displays a few of Doncic’s stat lines from games this season. Those include a trio of 50-point performances as well as a triple-double.
‘It’s disrespectful’ — Mark Cuban doesn’t like the latest Luka Doncic mural in Deep Ellum https://t.co/jfD0fqi4NB pic.twitter.com/7Diw63Fxtv
— Mavs Moneyball (@mavsmoneyball) January 16, 2023
While their star player has been playing at a high level, this artist, Preston Pannek, doesn’t believe that he has the help around him to compete for a title. The Mavericks are just 24-21 this year, with Luka leading the squad in points scored, rebounds, steals, and assists. No other player on the roster is averaging 20 points a night.
The lack of a second superstar led Pannek to create the artwork, which prompted an email from Mark Cuban. Those messages have now been made public.
Mark Cuban: “It is disrespectful. But it’s your choice to do what you want. If that’s the way you want to be a fan, go for it.”
Preston Pannek: “I’m sorry you feel that way, Mark, but I’m not the first person to say it.”
Many online have been quick to post their reactions to the exchange. Most are siding with the artist.
One fan wrote, “The roster they’ve put together is disrespectful.” Another Mavs’ supporter said, “It’s disrespectful to waste another superstar’s career.”
There were some, though, who side with Mark Cuban, like this person that commented, “He has a whole team helping him, this mural makes no sense.”
We’ll see if Cuban takes the advice and tries to add another star. If not, the Mavericks might just waste Luka Doncic’s talent.