Cuban: NBA’s ref problem ‘going on for 20 years’

The NBA is investigating the Dallas Mavericks for sitting several healthy players for their game against the Chicago Bulls on Friday. The Mavs were still alive for a spot in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament, but chose to sit several regular rotation players. Postgame, Dallas head coach Jason Kidd said the team chose to “go in another direction” as opposed to chasing a postseason spot.

The Mavericks ultimately lost to the Bulls and were eliminated from postseason contention. During the game, Dallas pulled the handful of rotation players did play, as the game went along. This included star player Luka Doncic, who played only briefly into the second quarter.

The NBA statement reads:

“The NBA commenced an investigation today into the facts and circumstances surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ roster decisions and game conduct with respect to last night’s Chicago Bulls-Mavericks game, including the motivations behind those actions.”

It’s unclear what sort of punishment could be levied against Dallas. In the past, the NBA has fined franchises for sitting healthy players in games. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was fined in the past for openly saying his team was better off to tank for draft position than trying to win games.