DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks finally have championship rings for their first NBA title.
Owner Mark Cuban and coach Rick Carlisle presented the diamond-encrusted rings to players before their game Wednesday night. The ring ceremony came exactly a month after they raised the championship banner before the season opener Christmas Day.
NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and seven other current Mavericks who were on last season’s team got their rings, as did J.J. Barea and retired guard Peja Stojakovic. Barea now plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, the opponent Wednesday night and part of the reason for the ceremony then.
The rings weren’t ready for the season opener because Cuban waited until after the NBA lockout so he could confer with players about the design.
