Miami's Pat Riley knows it will make good TV. But he considers it an invasion of privacy and is convinced it inhibits communication.

Chicago's Scott Skiles is concerned about exchanges between coach and player that will be taken out of context.

These guys are so old school. Get over it. Putting a microphone on coaches and selected players during nationally televised games is what fans, networks and your commissioner want. Mounting cameras in locker rooms to record intimate details is the wave of the future.

So what if it's stolen from NASCAR. This is a great idea. So great, that I agree with San Antonio's Gregg Popovich.

Let's put a camera and microphone in the next sensitive meeting conducted by David Stern.

Oh, I know. Stern will argue no one cares about the mundane business matters of the league office. He will allege it's not entertainment and thus should be excluded.

I disagree. Fans want to understand how Stern arrives at a suspension for a player, what he thinks of putting a team in Las Vegas or what he really thinks of Seattle's potential move. It may not play big nationally, but it should draw decent ratings in Seattle and Oklahoma City.

Who wouldn't want to know how Stern responds when he's told of Mark Cuban's latest provocative statement or challenge to his expertise? Who wouldn't want to hear the commissioner verbally undress an underling who made an honest mistake?

It's great TV.

And still, coaches don't get it.

They are concerned about destroying the bond of trust that is essential during the stressful moments of a competitive game. All they focus on is how it could corrupt the lines of communication.

Please.

Cuban has stated that none of this is about busting a coach or a player. He assures all delicate information will be protected, "like Fort Knox."

That's why Cuban shouldn't have a problem installing a microphone and camera in Donnie Nelson's office the next time he meets with the Mavericks general manager and coach Avery Johnson to discuss a potential trade. It helps bring the sport closer to the public.

Besides, if the discussion is too revealing, if the comments are too embarrassing, the video will never be released. Privacy and good taste always override prurient interests.

We've seen that on YouTube.

The NBA and the networks aren't offering reality.

They're offering the appearance of reality. They're teasing you with an inside glimpse that is sanitized and controlled. That's what our culture demands.

That's what Stern and otherwise reasonable intellectuals strive to provide.

"I think it's the power of TV," Denver coach George Karl said. "TV is a big part of our business and making them happy is a big part of what is going on right now.

"I don't have any problem with that. I think they've done a great job. I don't think we'd be in the position we are without TV.

"But it is the sanctuary that coaches have trouble giving up."

The powers that be have no trouble giving it up.

That's because it's not their sanctuary.

And that's because you won't learn anything you otherwise didn't know.

All I've heard from Mavericks fans and certain members of the media is that it doesn't matter what goes on during the regular season. The only way to judge this team is by what happens in the playoffs.

So why have so many people pushed the panic button now that the Mavericks are off to a slow start?

You can't have it both ways. Does the regular season matter or not? Has a fatal flaw been exposed in this team that can't be corrected over the next four months?

Avery Johnson has backed off, turned the keys to the offense over to Devin Harris and encouraged a greater cast of characters to step up around Dirk Nowitzki. Did anyone think this transition would be made without a hitch?

The Mavericks have taken one step back in the hopes of taking two steps forward. Let's give them a little time to regain their footing.