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 revealed 10 players per day from Monday through Thursday, and we’re concluding today 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.
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
Friday: Nos. 5-1
Dallas Mavericks forward Mark Aguirre (24) passes the ball as Houston Rockets forward Purvis Short (10), left, defends during game 4 of the 1st round of the Western Conference playoffs at The Summit on May 5, 1988 in Houston. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Houston Rockets 107-97 to clinch the series 3-1.
Paula Nelson
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Staff Photographer
5. Mark Aguirre (SF)
Eight seasons from 1981 to 1989
Stats in Dallas: 24.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.9 steals (49.2% FG; 30.5% 3FG; 74.2% FT)
Notable accolades: 2-time NBA Champion, 3-time All-Star
The case: The franchise’s first No. 1 overall pick in 1981. Third-leading scorer in franchise history. Had nearly a 25-point average in eight seasons in Dallas while helping make the Mavericks relevant in the ’80s.
Donald Carter, ex-majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, gets a warm greeting from Dallas Mavericks Derek Harper prior to the Mavericks game against the Seattle Supersonics on April 10, 1997.
Michael Ainsworth
4. Derek Harper (PG/SG)
12 seasons from 1983-94 and 1996-97
Stats in Dallas: 14.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.8 steals (46.9% FG; 34.7% 3FG; 74.7% FT)
Notable accolades: 2-time All-Defensive Team (1986-87; 1989-90), No. 12 jersey retired
The case: Owns franchise record for most career assists (5,111) and steals (1,551). Third in games played (872). Fourth all-time in career points (12,597), field goals (4,899), fifth in free throws (2,094). Six playoff appearances with Mavericks.
Rolando Blackman: Dallas drafted the 6-6 guard from Kansas State ninth overall in 1981. Blackman played 11 seasons in Dallas. He never averaged fewer than 13.3 points and game (rookie season) and had three seasons where he scored more than 20 per game and three at more than 19 per game. He averaged 21.6 ppg in 48 playoff games. Other B’s: Uwe Blab, Raja Bell, Shawn Bradley, Greg Buckner and Winford Boynes.
3. Rolando Blackman (SG)
11 seasons from 1981 to 1992
Stats in Dallas: 19.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.8 steals (49.7% FG; 32.9% 3FG; 84% FT)
Notable accolades: 4-time All-Star, No. 22 jersey retired
The case: Second all-time in career points (16,643), field goals (6,487) and free throws (3,501). Seventh in assists (2,748) and steals (668). Fourth in games played (865).
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic reacts to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Center on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, in Dallas.
Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer
2. Luka Doncic (PG)
Six and a half seasons from 2018 to 2025
Stats in Dallas: 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.2 steals, (47% FG; 34% 3FG; 74% FT)
Notable accolades: 5-time All-Star, 5-time All-NBA, Western Conference Finals MVP (2024), NBA Scoring Champ (2023-24), Rookie of the Year (2018-19), All-Rookie Team (2018-19)
The case: Owns several franchise records, including highest single-scoring game (73), scoring average (28.7), triple-doubles (77), 50-point games (7) and 40-point games (42).
Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots on Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem (40) during the second quarter of play in game six of the NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena Sunday, June 12, 2011 in Miami (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)
Tom Fox / Staff Photographer
1. Dirk Nowitzki (PF)
Franchise-record 21 seasons from 1998 to 2019
Stats in Dallas: 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 steals (47.1% FG; 38% 3FG; 87.9% FT)
Notable accolades: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, NBA Champion (2011), 2006-07 NBA MVP, 2011 Finals MVP, 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, NBA 75th Anniversary Team, 3-point Contest Champion (2006), No. 41 jersey retired
The case: No explanation needed. He’d be a legend in Dallas even without leading the franchise to its lone NBA title.
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To compile the rankings, our Mavs writers considered a variety of factors, including accomplishments, impact with the Mavericks and more.
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