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. 35 to No. 26. 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
35. Dereck Lively II (C)
Three seasons from 2023 to present
Stats in Dallas: 8.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks (72.9% FG; 56.5% FT)
The case: Key member of 2024 NBA Finals team and earned All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2023-24.
34. Daniel Gafford (C)
Two seasons from 2024 to present
Stats in Dallas: 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.8 blocks (72.7% FG; 67.1% FT)
The case: Key member of 2024 NBA Finals team. Led the NBA in field goal percentage during the 2023-24 season (72.5%). 33 consecutive field goals in the 2023-24 season marked the second-longest streak in NBA history.
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington celebrates a dunk by forward Derrick Jones Jr. during the final minutes of a 116-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Finals on Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Dallas.
Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer
33. P.J. Washington (SF/PF)
Two seasons from 2024 to present
Stats in Dallas: 13.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.0 blocks (44.3% FG; 35.3% 3FG; 70.3% FT)
Notable accolades: All-Rookie Team (2019-20)
The case: Key member of 2024 NBA Finals team. Converted the most 3-point field goals in a six-game series in franchise history when he knocked down 23 triples in the second round against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2024.
Dallas’ Erick Dampier in action during the Dallas Mavericks San Antonio Spurs Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference playoff series at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Friday, April 23, 2010.
LOUIS DeLUCA/Staff Photographer
32. Erick Dampier (C)
Six seasons from 2004 to 2010
Stats in Dallas: 6.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks (59.1% FG; 60.6% FT)
The case: Dampier has the third-highest amount of rebounds in a single game in franchise history (26). Ranks seventh in franchise history in total rebounds (3,211).
31. Wesley Matthews (SG/SF)
Four seasons from 2016 to 2019
Stats in Dallas: 12.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals (39.8 FG%; 36.9% 3FG; 82.5% FT)
The case: Often guarded best perimeter player on opposing teams while serving as one of the team’s greatest 3-point shooters. Ranks ninth in franchise history in 3-pointers (616).
Dallas Mavericks guard Vince Carter (25) beats his chest was he walks off the court following his game winning three pointer against the San Antonio Spurs in1 the NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 3 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Mavericks won, 109-108. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)
Tom Fox – Staff Photographer
30. Vince Carter (SG/SF)
Three seasons from 2011 to 2014
Stats in Dallas: 12 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists (41.9% FG; 39.2% 3FG; 82% FT)
Accolades: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 8-time NBA All-Star, 2-time All-NBA, Rookie of the Year (1998-99), All-Rookie Team (1998-99)
The case: Known for his epic game-winning 3-pointer as time expired to give the Mavericks a 2-1 series lead over the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2014 playoffs.
29. Dwight Powell (C/PF)
11 seasons from 2014 to present
Stats in Dallas: 6.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists (60.4% FG; 73.7% FT)
The case: Ranks 10th in franchise history in total rebounds (2,995). Fifth in games played (700). Third-highest field goal percentage in franchise history (60.4%). Five playoff appearances with Mavericks.
28. Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG/SF)
Six seasons from 2019 to 2024
Stats in Dallas: 15.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists (41.7% FT; 37.3% 3FG; 80.5% FT)
Notable accolades: All-Rookie Team (2013-14)
The case: Ranks fourth in franchise history in 3-point field goals (981).
Dallas Mavericks center Shawn Bradley tries to shoot over Los Angeles Lakers center Sean Rooks Sunday, April 6, 1997, at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. The Lakers beat the Mavericks 87-80. (AP Photo/Michael Tweed) ORG XMIT: LA105
MICHAEL TWEED / Associated Press
27. Shawn Bradley (C)
Nine seasons from 1997 to 2007
Stats in Dallas: 7.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.1 blocks (47.1% FG; 76.2% FT)
Notable accolades: All-Rookie Team (1993-94)
The case: Ranks fifth all time in franchise history in rebounds (3,340) and second in blocks (1,250). Led the NBA in blocks during his first season with the Mavericks in 1996-97. Perhaps even more impressive, Bradley holds a franchise record with 40 disqualifications.
26. Harrison Barnes (PF/SF)
Three seasons from 2016 to 2019
Stats in Dallas: 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, (44.5% FG; 36.7% 3FG; 84.1% FT)
Notable accolades: NBA Champion (2015); All-Rookie Team (2012-13)
The case: Ranks 10th in franchise history in points per game (18.7).
Day 3 of top 45 Mavericks in franchise history: Fan favorites and a star who got awayFormer Mavericks assistant God Shammgod on leaving Dallas: ‘It was just getting spooky’
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