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.
Let’s get this show on the road, shall we? If you have thoughts about the list, let me know at @MikeACurtis2.
Mavericks
45. Dale Ellis (SF/SG)
Three seasons from 1983 to 1986
Stats in Dallas: 8.2 points, 3.1 rebounds (44.2% FG; 37.6% 3 FG; 72.6% FT)
Notable accolades: All-Star (1988-89), All-NBA (1988-89), Most Improved Player (1986-87)
The case: Led the Mavericks in 3-point field goals during the 1985-86 season (63) and finished third in the NBA 3-point contest (1986)
NBA Iron Man A.C. Green holds up an autographed game ball and walks with a cane given to him by Mavericks head coach Don Nelson in celebration of Green’s 1,000th consecutive start against Vancouver in March 1999.
MULVEY, Michael / File
44. A.C. Green (PF/SF)
Three seasons from 1996 to 1999
Stats in Dallas: 6.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists (45.6% FG; 66.9% FT)
Notable accolades: 3-time NBA Champion, All-Star, All-Defensive Team (1988-89)
The case: Labeled as the NBA’s Iron Man, Green appeared in all 82 games during the 1997-98 season and appeared in a league record 1,192 games from 1986 to 2001.
43. Detlef Schrempf (SF/PF)
Four seasons from 1986 to 1989
Stats in Dallas: 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists (51.1% FG; 75.2% FT)
Notable accolades: 3-time All-Star, All-NBA (1994-95), 2-time Sixth Man of the Year
The case: Though most of his success came after his stint with the Mavericks, he came into his own during his third year in Dallas. Appeared in all 82 games during the 1987-88 season.
42. Adrian Dantley (SF)
Two seasons from 1989 to 1990
Stats in Dallas: 17.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists (47% FG; 78.1% FT)
Notable accolades: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame; 6-time All-Star, 2-time All-NBA, 2-time Scoring Champ, Rookie of the Year (1976-77), All-Rookie Team (1976-77)
The case: Dantley was one of the most prolific scorers in league history.
Herb Williams: Williams, a 6-11 forward/center, was aquired by the Mavs from Indiana for Detlef Schrempf and Dallas’ 1990 second-round choice. It was a close call between Williams and Randy White. Williams averaged 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in four seasons with Dallas. Other W’s: Antoine Walker, Samaki Walker, Bill Wennington, Morlon Wiley, Antoine Wright.
41. Herb Williams (C/PF)
Four seasons from 1988 to 1992
Stats in Dallas: 10.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 blocks (45.3% FG; 67.8% FT)
The case: Ranks ninth all-time in franchise history in blocks (346).
40. George McCloud (SF)
Three seasons from 1995 to 1997
Stats in Dallas: 15.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals (42% FG; 38% 3FG; 81.8% FT)
The case: Ranks second in franchise history for 3-pointers made in a season (257 in 1995-96).
ORG XMIT: *S0405276710* Taken Sunday, 1/26/2003 — DIGITAL #40389—-Dallas’ Nick Van Exel in action against the Trail Blazers, as Portland beat the Mavs 100-93 Sunday at the American Airlines Center. 04062003xSPORTS
LOUIS DeLUCA – 181200
39. Nick Van Exel (PG/SG)
2 seasons from 2001 to 2003
Stats in Dallas: 12.7 points, 4.3 assists (41.1% FG; 37.1%; 79.2% FT)
Notable accolades: All-Star (1997-98), All-Rookie Team (1993-94)
The case: Tied franchise record for most points off the bench in a single game (40). Tenth-most in franchise history in assists per game (4.3).
38. Jim Spanarkel (SG/SF)
Four seasons from 1980 to 1984
Stats in Dallas: 10.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists (47% FG; 85.7% FT)
The case: Member of inaugural 1980-81 Mavericks team. Ranked fourth in the NBA in free throw percentage during the 1980-81 season (88.7%). Ranks fifth in franchise history in free throw percentage (85.7%).
37. Popeye Jones (PF)
Four seasons from 1993-96 and 2002-03
Stats in Dallas: 8.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists (45% FG; 70.7% FT)
The case: Holds the franchise record for first and second-most rebounds in a single game (28 and 27).
Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole, right, tries to shoot against Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Washington. The Mavericks won 137-101. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Nick Wass / AP
36. Maxi Kleber (PF/C)
Eight seasons from 2017 to 2025
Stats in Dallas: 6.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.9 blocks (44.3% FG; 35.4% 3FG; 77.6% FT)
The case: Member of 2024 NBA Finals team. Four playoff appearances with the Mavericks.
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