Cuban unhappy with fan's Luka mural: 'It's disrespectful'
A new mural in Dallas has drawn the ire of Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.
The mural, painted by artist Preston Pannek in Dallas' Deep Ellum neighborhood, depicts Mavericks star Luka Doncic holding a sign reading "Please send help." Several of Doncic's recent stat lines also appear on the mural.
‘It’s disrespectful’ — Mark Cuban doesn’t like the latest Luka Doncic mural in Deep Ellum https://t.co/jfD0fqi4NB pic.twitter.com/7Diw63Fxtv
— Mavs Moneyball (@mavsmoneyball) January 16, 2023
Cuban isn't happy with the mural and made his feelings known in an email to Pannek.
"It's disrespectful," Cuban wrote in the email, which Pannek shared with Mavs Moneyball. "But it's your choice to do what you want. If that's the way you want to be a fan, go for it."
Pannek, a die-hard Mavericks fan since 2000, said he tried to explain his rationale for the mural but couldn't change Cuban's mind about it. Cuban did, however, express appreciation for Pannek's artistic abilities.
"Not being the first to say something always justifies what you say, Preston," Cuban wrote in a follow-up email. "I appreciate the other murals you have done. You truly have artistic talent."
Dallas currently sits fifth in the Western Conference at 24-21.