Mark Cuban Reacts Sarcastically to Derek Fisher Signing With the OKC Thunder

The early word out of Dallas when Derek Fisher re-joined the OKC Thunder was that Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and his staff were less than thrilled. Fisher asked to be released by the Mavs back in December, supposedly to spend more time with his family, but has signed on with OKC just two months later. Cuban used biting sarcasm when asked about the issue by reporters. Per the Dallas Morning News: “Look, I understand completely,’ Cuban said. ‘From the time Derek was here to his signing with OKC, his kids are older, they can deal with things better. So I understand him having more comfort in being away from them.’ Obviously, Cuban was using sarcasm to make his point, which didn’t prevent reporters from pressing Cuban further. He wouldn’t budge from his somewhat humorous company line. One thing Cuban did deny was that he had a prearranged understanding that Fisher could return to his family if needed. Cuban said Fisher’s situation was no different from any player. He pointed out that the Mavericks willingly grant short leaves of absences for family reasons. Cuban said Fisher’s representatives did not contact the Mavericks in recent days to inform them that Fisher was interested in returning to the NBA. When it was pointed out that it’s only been 65 days since Fisher left Dallas, Cuban said with a shrug, ‘A lot can happen in 65 days. His kids are older now,’ he added. ‘It’s easier to fly in and out of Oklahoma City than it is Dallas. I understand that. It’s just a decision a parent has to make. Every parent has difficult decisions to make.’ Is Cuban mad at Fisher? Again, the Mavericks owner stifled a smirk. ‘No, I understand completely,’ he said. ‘Kids get older. They understand the dad’s job a little better. You just never know when it’s going to click.'”