In this the Mavericks 30th season I thought it would be a good time to compile my all-time team of the greatest Mavericks. Like the All-NBA teams I will name a 1st,2nd and 3rd team. Both peak performance and longevity as a Maverick were considered.
1st Team
PG-Derek Harper(1983-94,96-97)-Wasn't as good as a Kidd or Nash but Maverick career included twice as many games as those two. Perhaps the best player never to make an All-Star team. Franchise leader in assists and steals. 2nd team all-defense in 86-87 and 89-90 seasons.
SG-Rolando Blackman-1981-92)-Franchise 2nd all-time leading scorer was considered one of the best shooting guards of his era. Ranks second in Mavs history with four all-star game selections(85-87,90). Number 22 is retired by the franchise.
SF-Mark Aguirre(1981-89)-One of the top scorers of the 80s holds team single season record for points per game(29.5 in 83-84). Made three all-star teams(84,87,88). Was drafted first overall in 1981.
PF-Dirk Nowitzki(1998-present)-All time Mavs leader in Points, Rebounds, Games, three pointers and free throws. 2006-07 NBA MVP and 9 time All-NBA selection( first team in 05-07 and 09). Nine time all-star(02-10) is by the greatest Mav ever.
C-James Donaldson(1985-92)-Best of a bad bunch was a actually an All-Star in 1988. 2nd in franchise history in rebounds and FG% and 3rd in Blocks.
2nd Team
PG-Steve Nash(1998-2004)-Two time all-star and all-NBA third team selection(both in 02 and 03) as a Mav. Team all-time leader in FT% also ranks in top 5 in assists,3 pointers made and 3 point percentage. Has done O.K. for himself since leaving the Mavs.
SG-Michael Finley(1996-2005)-also made 2 all-star teams(00 and 01) as Mav. Top five in numerous team categories including points.
SF-Josh Howard(2003-2010)-20007 NBA all-star ranks 9th in scoring in team history. Was 2nd team all-rookie in 2004.
PF-Sam Perkins(1984-1990)-Underrated performer who excelled on both ends of the floor. Ranks 3rd in team history in rebounds.
C-Erick Dampier(2004-present)-Much maligned but has value on defensive end. 7th in team history in rebounds and 4th in blocks.
3rd team
PG-Jason Kidd(1994-96, 2008-present)-Future hall of famer ranks 3rd in assists and 4th in steals in team history. All-star as a Mav in 1996 and 2010 and 94-95 co-rookie of the year.
SG-Jason Terry(2004-present)-Clutch scorer whether starting or coming of the bench. 2008-09 6th man of the year is 3rd in franchise history in 3s made.
SF-Jerry Stackhouse(2004-09)-Valuable 6th man who provided scoring and toughness. 18th in scoring in franchise history.
PF-Roy Tarpley(1986-91,94-95)-1987-88 6th man of the year whose career was cut short by drug and alcohol abuse. 9th in team history in rebounding.
C-Shawn Bradley(1997-2005)-On second though is it too early to consider Brendan Haywood? Is Mavs all-time blocks leader.
Honorable Mention
Brad Davis-PG(1980-1992)-Got his number retired for being white and scrappy.
1st Team
PG-Derek Harper(1983-94,96-97)-Wasn't as good as a Kidd or Nash but Maverick career included twice as many games as those two. Perhaps the best player never to make an All-Star team. Franchise leader in assists and steals. 2nd team all-defense in 86-87 and 89-90 seasons.
SG-Rolando Blackman-1981-92)-Franchise 2nd all-time leading scorer was considered one of the best shooting guards of his era. Ranks second in Mavs history with four all-star game selections(85-87,90). Number 22 is retired by the franchise.
SF-Mark Aguirre(1981-89)-One of the top scorers of the 80s holds team single season record for points per game(29.5 in 83-84). Made three all-star teams(84,87,88). Was drafted first overall in 1981.
PF-Dirk Nowitzki(1998-present)-All time Mavs leader in Points, Rebounds, Games, three pointers and free throws. 2006-07 NBA MVP and 9 time All-NBA selection( first team in 05-07 and 09). Nine time all-star(02-10) is by the greatest Mav ever.
C-James Donaldson(1985-92)-Best of a bad bunch was a actually an All-Star in 1988. 2nd in franchise history in rebounds and FG% and 3rd in Blocks.
2nd Team
PG-Steve Nash(1998-2004)-Two time all-star and all-NBA third team selection(both in 02 and 03) as a Mav. Team all-time leader in FT% also ranks in top 5 in assists,3 pointers made and 3 point percentage. Has done O.K. for himself since leaving the Mavs.
SG-Michael Finley(1996-2005)-also made 2 all-star teams(00 and 01) as Mav. Top five in numerous team categories including points.
SF-Josh Howard(2003-2010)-20007 NBA all-star ranks 9th in scoring in team history. Was 2nd team all-rookie in 2004.
PF-Sam Perkins(1984-1990)-Underrated performer who excelled on both ends of the floor. Ranks 3rd in team history in rebounds.
C-Erick Dampier(2004-present)-Much maligned but has value on defensive end. 7th in team history in rebounds and 4th in blocks.
3rd team
PG-Jason Kidd(1994-96, 2008-present)-Future hall of famer ranks 3rd in assists and 4th in steals in team history. All-star as a Mav in 1996 and 2010 and 94-95 co-rookie of the year.
SG-Jason Terry(2004-present)-Clutch scorer whether starting or coming of the bench. 2008-09 6th man of the year is 3rd in franchise history in 3s made.
SF-Jerry Stackhouse(2004-09)-Valuable 6th man who provided scoring and toughness. 18th in scoring in franchise history.
PF-Roy Tarpley(1986-91,94-95)-1987-88 6th man of the year whose career was cut short by drug and alcohol abuse. 9th in team history in rebounding.
C-Shawn Bradley(1997-2005)-On second though is it too early to consider Brendan Haywood? Is Mavs all-time blocks leader.
Honorable Mention
Brad Davis-PG(1980-1992)-Got his number retired for being white and scrappy.
What about Jim Jackson and Jamal Mashburn. Bring back the 3 Js
ReplyDeleteI agree with GK314.
ReplyDeleteAlso, really Roy Tarpley & Shawn Bradley?