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The Dallas Mavericks were founded in 1980 and they started in the NBA as an expansion team. The Mavericks had great success in their first decade in the league, making the playoffs six times. They were even one win away from an NBA Finals appearance in 1988 but they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, the Mavericks had a difficult decade in the 1990s as they did not make the playoffs once. Their fortunes changed when Dirk Nowitzki developed into one of the best players in the league starting in 2000. Dallas made 12 straight postseason appearances, reaching the top of the NBA mountain in 2011 when they won their first championship.
Now, the Mavericks are in rebuilding mode with an aging Dirk Nowitzki. Their future lies in the hands of Luka Doncic, who looks like a future MVP. Throughout their existence, the Mavericks have produced great players and here are the five that made their all-time starting five.
Center – Sam Perkins
Starting his career in Dallas, Sam Perkins was drafted fourth overall in 1994. Perkins was a consistent player for the Mavericks during his six-year tenure. He averaged almost a double-double in six seasons, 15.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. He was named to the All-Rookie First Team in 1985.
Perkins was ahead of his time as one of first stretch big men in the NBA. He ranks eighth in the team’s all-time scoring list with 6,766 points. He also sits third in rebounds, sixth in blocks, and tenth in steals. He also played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle SuperSonics, and Indiana Pacers but he never became an All-Star or won an NBA championship.
Honorable Mention: Forward – Josh Howard
Due to the number of great guards in Mavericks history, we will put Josh Howard in the forward position as an honorable mention. Howard was drafted 29th overall in 2003 and was a real steal for the Mavericks. He was a one-time All-Star but his later career was hampered by injuries. Howard spent seven seasons in Dallas.
Guard – Derek Harper
One of the first star players for the Mavericks, Derek Harper was the 11th overall selection in the 1984 NBA Draft. He was not a starter in his first three seasons but when he did, he led the team to the Western Conference Finals in 1988. However, the team lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games.
Harper had the best season of his career in 1990 when he averaged 19.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. He was never an All-Star but he solidified himself as one of the best players in franchise history. Harper ranks fourth in points, first in assists and steals, and fifth in three-pointers made.
Honorable Mention: Guard – Jason Kidd
The best point guard of his generation, Jason Kidd would have made it in the all-time starting five if he played his prime in Dallas. He was still young during his first stint from 1994 to 1996 and past his prime from 2008 to 2012. Nevertheless, Kidd was instrumental in helping the Mavericks win their first NBA championship in 2011.
Guard – Rolando Blackman
The ninth overall pick in the 1981 NBA Draft, Rolando Blackman was the Mavericks’ first franchise player. Blackman led the Mavericks to playoffs six times including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 1988. He was also a four-time All-Star while in Dallas, and in 1987, produced one of the best All-Star Game memories with his “Confidence, baby. Confidence” line while shooting a free throw late in the game.
Blackman is the second greatest scorer in Mavericks history with 16,643 points. He also ranks second in free throws made, eighth in rebounds, sixth in assists, and seventh in steals. For his contributions to the Mavericks, his No. 22 jersey was retired in 2000.
Honorable Mention: Guard – Steve Nash
Another great point guard who could have easily made the all-time starting five, Steve Nash left the Mavericks while he was entering his prime. In six seasons in Dallas, he was a two-time All-Star.
Nash also became a two-time MVP in the next two seasons after he left the Mavericks. He helped Dallas make the playoffs four times, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2003.
Forward – Mark Aguirre
Before he became a two-time NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons, Mark Aguirre was star for the Mavericks along with Rolando Blackman. Drafted first overall in 1981, Aguirre established himself as one of the best scorers in the league. He had his best season in 1984 when he averaged 29.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.0 steals.
Aguirre was a three-time All-Star with the Mavericks, helping the team make the playoffs five times. He was traded to the Pistons midway through the 1988-89 season. Aguirre ranks third in points, field goals made and free throws made, sixth in rebounds, tenth in assists, and ninth in steals in the franchise leaderboards.
Honorable Mention: Guard – Jason Terry
A key part of the 2011 championship team, Jason Terry became one of the best sixth men in the league while with the Mavericks. Terry is a beloved figure in Dallas known for his scoring and celebrations.
He is the sixth leading scorer in the team’s all-time scoring list while also ranking second in three-pointers made, seventh in assists, and fifth in steals.
Forward – Dirk Nowitzki
Without a doubt, Dirk Nowitzki is the greatest player in the history of the Mavericks. He is also one of the greatest players in NBA history and probably the greatest European player ever. No one will ever wear No. 41 for the Mavericks ever again and when he retires, there will be a statue of him shooting a one-legged jumper outside the American Airlines Center.
Nowitzki is a one-time NBA champion, one-time NBA MVP, a 13-time All-Star and a 12-time member of an All-NBA team. He is also a member of the 30,000-point club. Dirk also holds most of the top spot of the Mavericks’ franchise leaderboards. He ranks first in points, field goals made, three-pointers made, free throws made, rebounds, and blocks.
Honorable Mention: Forward – Michael Finley
During the early 2000s, the Mavericks had a big three in Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, and Michael Finley. Finley is the third option on offense and a primary defender. He spent nine seasons in Dallas wherein he was a two-time All-Star. Finley ranks fifth in points and rebounds, eighth in assists, and fourth in steals.
