Despite the fact that Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has only hinted at running for president in 2020, he has at least one avid supporter among NBA players.
That’s Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love, who offered his reasons for supporting the billionaire.
Love spoke to Yahoo Finance Editor-in-Chief Andy Serwer about the prospect of Cuban running for the presidency:
“I love Mark Cuban so I’m for it. What is it, 2020? Are we going Mark Cuban 2020, 2024? I think he’s done an amazing job, at least as an owner in the NBA. I know from that perspective, I don’t know if this translates to running for office, but he has done a really great job of allowing players to be themselves while almost being like a player’s owner.
“We always talk about a player’s coach, but he’s so heavily involved. He sits right by their bench. He travels with them to games. He makes sure they have whatever they need, not only for longevity purposes, but for that day.
“So I think that some of that stuff does transcend into everyday life and the American people, but you know, I only know him as the owner of an NBA team and a team that’s done exceptionally well.”
Cuban bought a majority stake in the Mavericks in January 2000. Two of his teams have reached the NBA Finals, with his 2010-11 squad winning the franchise’s only league title. However, since that time, they’ve struggled, a stretch that’s included missing the postseason in each of the last three seasons.
The likelihood of Cuban running isn’t high, given the fact that other contenders for the position currently held by incumbent Donald Trump already have organized campaigns going. Also, while Cuban has a healthy ego, he may not be willing to undergo the level of scrutiny that he would be under during such a run.
Finally, Cuban has no doubt taken note of former Starbucks CEO and Seattle Supersonics owner Howard Schultz, who has largely abandoned his own consideration of running.
For Love, even though he signed a contract extension with the Cavaliers and begins a four-year, $120 million deal this fall, he’s still the subject of trade rumors. Right now, the Cavaliers are expected to hold on to him unless they’re bowled over by an offer.
