Dime is the premier basketball magazine, covering the NBA, NCAA, High School, Playground and International basketball - as well as sneakers, fashion and music.
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BUSINESS BLING WORDS. Aron Phillips PHOTO. Jostens Mavericks Championship Ring As they say, to the victor go the spoils. And although it took the Dallas Mavericks more than seven months after they hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy to receive their championship rings, they were more than worth the wait. For the fourth year in a row, we bring you the NBA's most prized possession – this time designed by Jostens' master jewelers and members of the Mavericks organization, including Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and Jason Terry. The ring bezel features "World Champions" flanked by 10 round-cut diamonds on each side of this 14 karat white gold ring. The promi- nent Mavericks logo is set against a custom blue stone encircled by 31 princess-cut diamonds – one for each year the team has been in Dallas and the NBA. Side A features the player's name and jersey number – in this case Nowitzki and No. 41. The NBA logo sits to the left side of the logo, while one diamond star rests to the right – signifying the first championship for Dallas. The Mavericks' secondary logo is set with another custom blue stone inside the basketball. The "M" is emblazoned with 15 diamonds to represent the 15 members on the 2011 championship team. Side B incorporates "Dallas Mavericks" with last year's team motto, "The Time Is Now," engraved in a banner that flies behind the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Round brilliant diamonds fill the trophy as the year, 2011, sits beside it in blue enamel. Both ring sides are featured against a black antiqued background. Lastly, the inside of the band features the original Mavericks team logo in honor of the team's first owner, Don Carter. The other side lists the results of their four playoff series won, with their NBA Finals victory over Miami slightly larger. And whenever someone sees a championship ring, the same ques- tions arises: How much do they cost? This year we finally have an answer. Cuban said he paid a total of $1.4 million for the rings for the 15 players and the entire coaching staff. Each ring – featuring 250 total diamonds – is estimated to cost $40,000. 24