Mark Cuban is a lot of things, no doubt. What he's usually not, however, is a big critic of his own team.

Think of all the interviews "Cubes" has given over the years, even in bad times. You hear things like, "we really like our team", or "I love Fin", "I love Nasty", or "I have complete confidence in Avery." I'm sure Cuban has wanted to say negative things about the Mavs before, but it must be something in his business model not to criticize his own players in the media.

That definitely changed after Monday's meltdown in Oklahoma City. Mark said players not putting forth effort will be gone next season.

Except when those players are Dirk, JET, Josh Howard, etc. Read between the lines. It's the "fringe guys" who might be in trouble.

Still, however unlikely the chances his threats will eventually be carried out, this is something rare from Cuban and long overdue. The Mavs have been coasting for too long. They've been treading water since before Avery Johnson left...and not much has changed under Rick Carlisle. I think the team is responding well to Carlisle, but that doesn't always translate into victories.

Cuban knows his team is in a difficult position. Not good enough to challenge for the Finals...and not bad enough to rebuild. One of those two things could happen in the next couple of years. I'd bet strongly on the latter. Mark knows the window is closing fast for this particular group of players. Even Dirk is getting up there now...who knows how much longer he will be able to play at this level.

Regardless of reality setting in, it's good to see Cuban show some emotion not directed towards league officials for a change. Now, let's see if his team responds.

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