Topeka- As a Kansas Junior, Drew Gooden averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds, leading Kansas to the National Championship. Seeking to cash in on his rare combination of skill, poise, basketball IQ, hustle, and pure athleticism, Gooden put the world on notice that he was about to arrive on the biggest and best stage in the world, the NBA (National Basketball Association).
Originally drafted 4th by the Memphis Grizzilies in 2002, Gooden has been in high demand throughout his NBA career, playing for a world leading 7 teams thus far. He often is sought after by teams due to his off the court flare and fan appeal and Gooden hasn't dissapointed. At times throughout his career, he has not only cultivated the now well known and respected "neck patch," but has also fashioned the extremely bright colored and long goatee. His opponents, frozen by his flare and sense of style, watched helplessly as Gooden drove past them, creating a wide open step back jumper, a finess that hasn't been seen since the Zach Randolph era.
Apparently seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in their search for a Center, the Mavs seemed to have landed Gooden this summer, awarding him a well deserved maximum contract of one year for 4.5 million. Mavs fan rejoiced in the street. Mayor Laura Miller broke the news from the crowd which had already assembled upon hearing the rumors, screaming parade instructions into a bullhorn while standing atop the hood of a convertible. As the fans contemplated the logistics of the parade route, all was good in Mavs land. The air, notwithstanding the stench of spilled beer and hotdogs, smelled sweet. It smelled like victory.
Meanwhile behind the scenes, the always frugal Mark Cuban had a plan alright. Apparently wanting to appease the fans with such a blockbuster acquisition but not wanting to spend the money required to do so, Mr. Cuban withrew his maximum contract offer to Drew Gooden and is instead offering the paltry minimun of 1.9 million, which approximately .004 percent of what he sold Broadcast.com for in 1986. Once again, Mavs fans are left wondering. As Gooden entertains maximum offeres from top flight franchises like the Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors, Mavs fans are left bewildered. First Martin Giricek and now Drew Gooden. This practice of signing centers to contracts and then not paying them for there services has to stop. Not only is it illegal, it is morally unacceptable.
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