VIDEO: Mark Cuban says losing DeAndre Jordan would've ended Doc Rivers' career

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has never been afraid to share his thoughts with fans, opponents, and the league's commissioner, and has also been instrumental in turning his franchise into a perennial 50-win club since he purchased the team in 2000.

So, when the 57-year-old billionaire's approach to this summer's DeAndre Jordan saga was recently questioned by Los Angeles Clippers president and head coach Doc Rivers, Cuban was eager to fire back.

Speaking with Colin Cowherd on FOX Sports Radio's "The Herd" in early September, Rivers talked about almost losing his prized center, and how relieved he is to have the 6-11 Texan remain in Southern California.

Rivers also voiced his displeasure with how Cuban - his rival in the free-agency tug of war - dealt with the situation.

"Did (Cuban) handle this well? No. To me, he acted very silly," he said. "Did you see me out in front of the cameras, screaming and yelling and crying? I didn't do that. I was disappointed internally, and I handled it that way. Mark tends to do things out in the open, and that's fine."

Cuban, calm and stoic, responded to Rivers' account of July's comical events.

"His back was against the wall, and he did what he needed to do," Cuban said of Rivers, before throwing a competitive jab. "I think the most interesting thing is, it shows you what someone will do when their entire future is vanishing in front of them. His professional life was over if he didn't get DJ."

While such a statement could be considered sour grapes, Cuban may not be completely inaccurate with his hypothetical suggestion.

Had the Clippers been spurned by an outgoing Jordan, their primary flaws - namely, an aging roster and shaky perimeter defense - would've been exacerbated tenfold.

Although Chris Paul is the Clippers' engine, and Blake Griffin is the turbo-charged fuel, Jordan is the team's anchor. Losing such an integral "cornerstone," as Cuban put it, could've sent the Staples Center's cohabitants reeling toward Western Conference purgatory.

Cuban, seemingly taken aback by the opinions of the Clippers bench boss, added, "I'm surprised to hear Doc say that. I mean, my typical response when someone brings up DJ's name is: 'who?'

"But again, that's who Doc is. I respect the fact that when his professional life was about to dissipate and disappear and go up in flames, they did what they had to do. And they got DJ back, so more power to him."

With both sides refusing to let the dust completely settle, Mavericks fans are likely rallying behind Cuban and chomping at the bit for Nov. 11.