Nearly 400 players have suited up in the green, white or blue for the Dallas Mavericks over the first 45 years of the franchise. To commemorate their anniversary, we’re ranking the top 45.
The list was created with input from Mavericks writer Brad Townsend and columnist Kevin Sherrington. We’ll reveal 10 players per day from Monday through Thursday and conclude Friday with the top five.
Only players who were with the Mavericks for at least two seasons were considered, so future Hall of Famers Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson weren’t eligible. Other factors include accomplishments, impact with the Mavericks, longevity, statistics and talent. The accolades listed are for their entire careers, not only in Dallas.
Here are the players we ranked from No. 15 to No. 6. If you have thoughts about the list, let me know at @MikeACurtis2.
Mavericks
Monday: Nos. 36-45
Tuesday: Nos. 26-35
Wednesday: Nos. 25-16
Thursday: Nos. 15-6
15. Josh Howard (SF) 
Josh Howard was the Mavericks’ first-round draft choice in 2003.
File photo
Seven seasons from 2003 to 2010
Stats in Dallas: 15.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals (45.4% FG; 34% 3FG; 77.6% FT)
Notable accolades: All-Star (2006-07); All-Rookie Team (2003-04)
The case: An integral part of the 2006 Mavericks team that made the first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history.
14. J.J. Barea (PG/SG)
11 seasons from 2006 to 2020
Stats in Dallas: 8.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.4 steals (43.2% FG; 35.6% 3FG; 79.8% FT)
Notable accolades: NBA Champion (2011)
The case: Key contributor to the 2011 title team. Eight playoff appearances with Mavericks. Won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship and Mannie Jackson Human Spirit awards in 2017-18.
13. Shawn Marion (SF/PF)
Five seasons from 2009 to 2014
Stats in Dallas: 11.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals (49.6% FG; 30.7% 3FG; 77.4% FT)
Notable accolades: NBA Champion (2011), 4-time All-Star, 2-time All-NBA, All-Rookie Team (1999-00)
The case: Mavericks’ defensive stalwart during 2011 NBA title run.
12. Sam Perkins (PF)
Six seasons from 1984 to 1990
Stats in Dallas: 14.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals (47.7% FG; 81.4% FT)
Notable accolades: All-Rookie Team (1984-85)
The case: A force inside the paint who could step out and knock down 3-pointers in an era when the perimeter shot wasn’t as much of a priority.
11. Brad Davis (PG)
12 seasons from 1980 to 1992
Stats in Dallas: 8.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 0.8 steals (51% FG; 32.1% 3FG; 83% FT)
Notable accolades: No. 15 jersey retired
The case: Inaugural member of franchise’s first team (1980-81). Second all-time in franchise history in assists (4,524). Five playoff appearances with Mavericks.
10. Kyrie Irving (PG/SG)
Three seasons from 2023 to 2025
Stats in Dallas: 25.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.3 steals (49% FG; 40.4% 3FG; 91.7% FT)
Notable accolades: NBA Champion (2016), 9-time All-Star (twice in Dallas)
The case: Co-anchor of the 2024 NBA Finals team. Reached 18,000 career points last season. Owns franchise record for highest free throw percentage on a minimum of 200 attempts (91.8%).
9. Steve Nash (PG)
Six seasons from 1998 to 2004
Stats in Dallas: 14.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 0.9 steals (46.8% FG; 41.6% 3FG; 89.8% FT)
Notable accolades: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 2-time MVP, 8-time All-Star, 7-time All-NBA, 5-time Assist Champ, NBA 75th Anniversary Team
The case: Had two All-Star appearances and made the All-NBA third team twice during his six seasons in Dallas before he was traded to Phoenix. Ranks second in franchise history in free throw percentage (89.8%). Sixth-most assists in franchise history (2,919).Scored the first points at American Airlines Center.
8. Jason Terry (SG/PG) 
Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Jason Terry (31) reacts in the second quarter during Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center Sunday, June 5, 2011 in Dallas.
Vernon Bryant / Staff Photographer
Eight seasons from 2004 to 2012
Stats in Dallas: 16.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.2 steals (46.2% FG; 38.8% 3FG; 84.7% FT)
Notable accolades: NBA Champion (2011), Sixth Man of the Year (2008-09), All-Rookie Team (1999-00)
The case: Key contributor to 2011 title team. Scored a game-high 27 points in the Game 6 title-clinching victory over Miami. Eight playoff appearances with the Mavericks.
7. Michael Finley (SF/SG)
Nine seasons from 1996 to 2005
Stats in Dallas: 19.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 steals (44.6% FG; 37.6% 3FG; 81.5% FT)
Notable accolades: 2-time All-Star, NBA Champion (2007), All-Rookie Team (1995-96)
The case: He played in two All-Star Games and appeared in a franchise record 381 consecutive games. Five playoff appearances with the Mavericks. Currently serves as associate general manager.
6. Jason Kidd (PG)
Eight seasons from 1994-96 and 2008-12
Stats in Dallas: 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 8.4 assists, 1.9 steals (39.1% FG; 36.3% 3FG; 73.8% FT)
Notable accolades: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, NBA Champion (2011), 10-time All-Star (twice in Dallas), 6-time All-NBA, 9-time All-Defensive Team, 5-time NBA Assist Champ, Rookie of the Year (1994-95), All-Rookie Team, 1994-95), NBA 75th Anniversary Team
The case: Before he became the Mavericks’ head coach, Kidd had two stints in Dallas and holds the franchise record for most assists in a game (25) and assists per game (8.4). He’s second in triple-doubles (21) and third all-time in assists (4,211) and steals (954).
Day 3 of top 45 Mavericks in franchise history: Fan favorites and a star who got awayDay 2 of ranking top 45 Mavericks in franchise history: New standouts, Hall of Fame guard
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