Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman was introduced Thursday as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks’ affiliate in the NBA Development League, which will tip-off in November 2010.
The D-League team is partially owned by Donnie Nelson, the Mavericks’ president of basketball operations. Hiring Lieberman was his idea, and he’s confident young men won’t have a problem taking orders from a woman — at least, not this woman.
“She’s got the skins, the experience — she knows what she’s doing — so I certainly hope that we’re well beyond those issues,” Nelson said. “Besides, if you can’t respect authority, no matter what form or color it comes in, I don’t want you on my team.”
In theory this sounds OK and I’m sure a lot of people think it’s time something like this happened. Realistically doubt it will have the results Nelson and Lieberman envision. Seems more like a way to put fans in the stands for a new team. The Developmental League at this point can’t exactly be considered a success. Gimmicks may be the only way for teams to stay afloat.
A good gesture by Nelson and the team and who knows it worked in Sunset Park and Eddie.
