Mark Cuban has changed his tune -- saying he no longer "expects" his Mavs players to stand for the national anthem ... and he's even considering kneeling with them.
"If [Dallas Mavericks players] were taking a knee and they were being respectful, I'd be proud of them," Cuban said Thursday on "Outside the Lines" ... "Hopefully I'd join them."
“I’ll stand in unison with our players, whatever they choose to do.”
— Outside The Lines (@OTLonESPN) June 18, 2020
@mcuban on the potential for player protests as the #NBA prepares to return in July. pic.twitter.com/V3twJWtp7n
Remember, back in 2017 ... Cuban said while he respects people who speak out civilly, he "expects" his players to stand for the anthem with their hands over their hearts.
So, why the change of heart from the Mavs owner in 2020?
"Because I think we've learned a lot since 2017. I think we've evolved as a country," Cuban explained.
"And, this is really a unique point in time where we can grow as a society, we can grow as a country and become far more inclusive."
Current NBA rules state that players and coaches must stand for the national anthem … but Cuban thinks it's time for a change.
When the NBA season does resume next month, Cuban says he hopes league officials will NOT punish players for whatever demonstrations they have in mind.
"Hopefully, we'll allow players to do what's in their heart. Whether it's holding their arm up in the air, whether it's taking a knee, whatever it is, I don't think this is an issue of respect or disrespect to the flag or to the anthem or to our country."
"I think this is more a reflection of our players' commitment to this country and the fact that it's so important to them that they're willing to say what's in their heart and do what they think is right."
Ultimately, Cuban says he'll defer to NBA commish Adam Silver -- but notes, "My hope is we'll let the players do exactly what they think is the right thing to do."