DALLAS - Mavs fans who attend the first game of the season on Christmas Day will see the team's championship banner raised at American Airlines Center, but won't witness the traditional ring ceremony.
Rings are regularly awarded on the first night of the new season, but the players' lockout has delayed the season until Dec. 25.
While getting championship rings would also be a great gift for the players, team owner Mark Cuban wants fans to be there for the experience. So he told News 8 he's going to delay that ceremony.
We felt that because there was uncertainty about the season, some fans made other plans for Christmas day. So we didn't want those who couldn't be there to miss all the fun, Cuban told News 8 in an e-mail Thursday night.
Cuban told News 8 the championship banner will still be raised on Christmas night.
Both will be huge big deals, Cuban added. Raising the banner is incredible. It will give you chills.
A date for the ring ceremony is still be determined.
The Dallas Mavs beat the Miami Heat in June to win the franchise's first NBA title.
E-mail: jwhitely@wfaa.com
