When faced with such problems as bothersome bloggers, rude real estate mongers turned reality show hosts, and yet another first round exit, where can a billionaire basketball owner go to get away from it all?

His underground bunker, of course!

(“Who dares enter my secret lair!”)

Like any powerful evil genius, Mark Cuban has a secret subterranean space to call is own. Well, it was a secret until KTXA-TV in Dallas was invited to check it out. Read more…

After jettisoning Avery Johnson, Mark Cuban now needs a new coach for his NBA club. As the maverick Mavericks owner leafs through resumes & audition reels, could he be aiming his sights at Bob Knight?

LARRY BROWN SPORTS hears such a scenario suggested by Craig Ehlo. The former Cavs star was on Sporting News Radio on Wednesday, when he mentioned that the ex-Indiana & Texas Tech could land in the American Airlines Center: Read more…

The Skinny on the Hornets:  They used to be in Charlotte, then they moved to New Orleans.  New Orleans got decimated by that one storm, so then they had to hang out in Oklahoma City for a while (paving the way for the Sonics move).  Somewhere along the line they got really good at basketball this year.  No one is quite sure how that happened.

The Skinny on the Mavericks:  For years, the Mavs were a laughing stock but Mark Cuban decided to become eccentric and purchase an NBA team.  After that the Mavericks became really fun and really good.  Then they hired Avery Johnson and became a great team but they’ve also became tedious and boring.  After last year’s embarrassment at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, they’ve looked lost this year.  But now, they’re ready to rock and roll.  Metaphorically.

 Now that you’re all caught up, let’s have some liveblog fun, eh? Read more…

SbB will once again be treating out fair readers to another lively live blog this weekend, this time hitting the hardwood for the NBA Playoffs.

We’ll be covering Saturday’s Game 1 between the New Orleans Hornets & Dallas Mavericks - much to Mark Cuban’s dismay. Tune in as we analyze the efforts of Chris Paul, Dirk Nowitzki and the rest of the hoopsters - and any strange commercials we come across. The fun starts around 7 p.m. Eastern.

We’ll also keep an eye on Ric Bucher trying to sneak into the arena.

Despite the best efforts of the blogosphere, the NBA owners have voted overwhelmingly to approve the Sonics’ move from Seattle to Oklahoma City. But it wasn’t a unanimous decision.

CBS SPORTS reports that Friday’s final tally was 28-2 in support of the move. The two owners casting the dissenting votes were Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks and Paul Allen of the Portland Trail Blazers. Why wouldn’t these guys go along with the crowd?

Read more…

• AWFUL ANNOUNCING hears Bubba Watson not respecting his elders, as TV cameras picks up the golfer saying, “Veterans can kiss my ass!”

• Tony Pauline of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is hip to NFL hopeful Colt Brennan having some pre-draft surgery done.

• WITH LEATHER enjoys a big slice of beefcake, served up by the Idaho Vandals football team.

Read more…

It’s becoming dangerous to be a big man in the NBA’s Western Conference. The Rockets’ Yao Ming is out for the rest of the season. The Lakers’ Pau Gasol has been benched the past couple of days with an ankle sprain.

And now the Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki has fallen with some leg issues of his own. The Mavs’ official site announced that an MRI on the reigning MVP revealed a “moderate” left high ankle sprain and “mild” left knee sprain. So, how long will Dirk be riding pine? Read more…