Boban Marjanovic recounts his biggest surprise while meeting Mark Cuban: 'He is a completely normal guy'

Mark Cuban may have sold his majority stake, but his ownership of the Dallas Mavericks transformed the team into a basketball powerhouse while setting the bar for modern sports management.

The businessman remains an enduring figure in Dallas. He is known for his dynamic leadership and player-first mentality. He has a different side of Cuban — one that transcends the traditional image of a billionaire owner.

A normal billionaire

When Cuban purchased the Mavericks in January 2000 for $285 million, the franchise was in disarray, both competitively and financially. The team had failed to make the playoffs in a decade and lacked a stable fan base.

The businessman's high-energy approach and willingness to spend money revamped the Mavericks' trajectory almost overnight. By 2001, they were a playoff contender. A decade later, in 2011, the team captured its first NBA championship, defeating the Miami Heat in six games.

The former executive didn't just emerge as a franchise owner but also as a leader and father figure for every player stepping into the door, displaying his character as a human being.

"He dresses extremely cool, no bragging, no 'I'm rich, look at me,' completely normal, like just another guy," explained former Mavericks center Boban Marjanovic. "When I go out to dinner with him, everything is fine and friendly. I literally say he's an ordinary man, but he is one of the richest people in the world. But still, he's still acting normal."

Marjanovic joined the Mavericks in 2019, fresh off successful stints with other NBA franchises. With his towering 7'4" frame and warm personality, the Serbian center was an instant fan favorite.