Introduction to the Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have had nearly 400 players suit up in their green, white, or blue uniforms over the first 45 years of the franchise. To commemorate this milestone, a ranking of the top 45 players has been compiled. This list was created with input from Mavericks writer Brad Townsend and columnist Kevin Sherrington, and it will be revealed 10 players per day from Monday through Thursday, concluding on Friday with the top five.
Criteria for Selection
Only players who were with the Mavericks for at least two seasons were considered for this list. Factors such as accomplishments, impact with the Mavericks, longevity, statistics, and talent were all taken into account. Notable accolades listed are for the players’ entire careers, not just their time in Dallas. Future Hall of Famers like Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson were not eligible due to their short tenure with the team.
Ranking the Players
Here are the players ranked from No. 15 to No. 6:
15. Josh Howard (SF)
Josh Howard was the Mavericks’ first-round draft choice in 2003.
Josh Howard played seven seasons with the Mavericks from 2003 to 2010, averaging 15.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He was an All-Star in 2006-07 and made the All-Rookie Team in 2003-04. Howard was an integral part of the 2006 Mavericks team that made the first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history.
14. J.J. Barea (PG/SG)
J.J. Barea played 11 seasons with the Mavericks from 2006 to 2020, averaging 8.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 0.4 steals per game. He was an NBA Champion in 2011 and won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship and Mannie Jackson Human Spirit awards in 2017-18. Barea was a key contributor to the 2011 title team and had eight playoff appearances with the Mavericks.
13. Shawn Marion (SF/PF)
Shawn Marion played five seasons with the Mavericks from 2009 to 2014, averaging 11.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. He was an NBA Champion in 2011, a four-time All-Star, and a two-time All-NBA selection. Marion was the Mavericks’ defensive stalwart during their 2011 NBA title run.
12. Sam Perkins (PF)
Sam Perkins played six seasons with the Mavericks from 1984 to 1990, averaging 14.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. He made the All-Rookie Team in 1984-85 and was a force inside the paint who could step out and knock down 3-pointers.
11. Brad Davis (PG)
Brad Davis played 12 seasons with the Mavericks from 1980 to 1992, averaging 8.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. His No. 15 jersey was retired, and he is second all-time in franchise history in assists with 4,524. Davis was an inaugural member of the franchise’s first team and had five playoff appearances with the Mavericks.
10. Kyrie Irving (PG/SG)
Kyrie Irving has played three seasons with the Mavericks from 2023 to 2025, averaging 25.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He is an NBA Champion and a nine-time All-Star, including two All-Star appearances in Dallas. Irving was the co-anchor of the 2024 NBA Finals team and owns the franchise record for the highest free throw percentage on a minimum of 200 attempts.
9. Steve Nash (PG)
Steve Nash played six seasons with the Mavericks from 1998 to 2004, averaging 14.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. He is a two-time MVP, an eight-time All-Star, and a seven-time All-NBA selection. Nash had two All-Star appearances and made the All-NBA third team twice during his six seasons in Dallas before being traded to Phoenix.
8. Jason Terry (SG/PG)
Jason Terry played eight seasons with the Mavericks from 2004 to 2012, averaging 16.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He was an NBA Champion in 2011, the Sixth Man of the Year in 2008-09, and made the All-Rookie Team in 1999-00. Terry was a key contributor to the 2011 title team, scoring a game-high 27 points in the Game 6 title-clinching victory over Miami.
7. Michael Finley (SF/SG)
Michael Finley played nine seasons with the Mavericks from 1996 to 2005, averaging 19.8 points, 5.2 rebounds
