Dallas Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban said before Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers that he would have no issue taking women's college basketball's all-time leading shot-blocker, Baylor's center, Brittney Griner, in the draft and see if she can "hold her own" in the NBA.
When it comes to women competing in professional sports dominated by men, it isn't easy, but it is doable, just ask NASCAR driver Danica Patrick.
However, in Patrick's case, racing a car isn't a contact sport, basketball is and it is difficult to believe that grown men would comfortable playing against a women, no matter the size (Griner stands 6-foot-8) and the skills (she was a three-time All-American and Big 12 player of the year).
But, Cuban doesn't see it that way. Fro him, it is all about getting the best available talent.
"If she is the best on the board, I will take her." Adding, "I've thought about it. I've thought about it already. Would I do it? Right now, I'd lean toward yes, just to see if she can do it. You never know unless you give somebody a chance, and it's not like the likelihood of any late-50s draft pick has a good chance of making it," according to ESPN Dallas.
During her four-year collegiate career, using stats from ESPN, Griner scored 3,283 points and blocked 748 shots. She also had 18 dunks, including 11 her senior season.
Even if Cuban drafts her, she would still have to make the Mavericks' roster.
"I'm not going to carry her just to carry her. I don't think, anyways. But I certainly wouldn't be opposed to giving her the opportunity.," he said, according to Yahoo.
The other issue that would occur taking a women to play in the mens' league is publicity.
"It would, wouldn't it?" Cuban said. "That'd sell out a few games," reported Yahoo.
Upon hearing the news, Griner took to Twitter to express her feelings on the potential opportunity.
"I would hold my own! Lets do it," she said.
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