Bringing Filthy Back to Big D

According to reports, earlier today, the San Antonio Spurs announced that they will release Michael Finley, allowing him the chance to sign with any other NBA team and still make the playoff roster. Are the Mavericks interested in seeing former fan favorite Finley return to Dallas? Here are the top ten reasons why they should be:

10. Michael Finley won a ring with the Spurs, which would make him the only Maverick in the locker room who has championship experience.

9. Although he has aged and can’t do quite as much as he did in years past, Finley can still knock down outside shots, including threes, which would provide the Mavericks with another offensive threat on the perimeter.

8. Finley has an enormous amount of basketball experience under his belt, particularly in playoff games. His veteran leadership could help propel the Mavericks deeper into the postseason.

7. Never known for temper tantrums or attitude problems, Finley is a great locker room presence, a player that other players can easily get along with…with the possible exception of Jason Terry, given the groin punch that occurred during the hotly contested 2006 Western Conference semifinals matchup between the Mavs and Spurs.

6. Several members of the current Mavericks, such as Dirk Nowitzki and Eduardo Najera, have played with Michael Finley in previous years and could quickly recapture their team chemistry.

5. A proven commodity is always a better alternative than a question mark. The newest member of the Dallas Mavericks, Von Wafer, who was signed to a 10-day contract just to fill out the roster, doesn’t have the type of track record in the NBA that Finley does after all these years. Why take a chance on a somewhat unknown player’s abilities when you can acquire the services of a former All-Star?

4. In the eight years he spent here in Dallas, Michael Finley, better known as Mr. Maverick, was always a fan favorite. What Mavs’ fan wouldn’t love to see him in uniform here again, even if just in a minor role?

3. Finley was such an integral part of the turnaround of the Mavericks’ that occurred over the past decade that it would only be fitting for him to reap the long term rewards and win a second championship, but this time here in Dallas.

2. Stick it to the Spurs. ‘Nuff said.

1. The biggest reason the Mavericks should bring Finley back home to Dallas is to make amends for the shameless fashion in which he was released from the Mavericks several years ago. While I understand Finley was let go to save owner Mark Cuban roughly 50 million dollars in luxury tax matching fees, I also know that for many years, Michael Finley was the heart and soul of this team and the only thing that kept many fans coming back to the arena night after night. Basketball is a business, but it’s difficult not to harbor at least some hard feelings when you’re essentially kicked to the curb in the name of the almighty dollar.

Do the right thing, Mr. Cuban, and bring Mr. Maverick back home where he belongs. I’m busting out my old Finley jersey in anticipation of the announcement that once again, Dallas Mavericks’ basketball will be Dirty (Dirk) and Filthy (Finley).