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. 25 to No. 16. If you have thoughts about the list, let me know at @MikeACurtis2.
Mavericks
Monday: Nos. 36-45
Tuesday: Nos. 26-35
Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) reacts after hitting a first quarter three-pointer against the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of a NBA Western Conference semifinal game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, May 8, 2022.
Tom Fox / Staff Photographer
25. Dorian Finney-Smith (PF/SF)
Seven seasons from 2016 to 2023
Stats in Dallas: 8.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists (44.3%; 36% 3FG; 72.1% FT)
The case: Fan favorite forward who ranks eighth in franchise history in 3-point field goals (637). Three playoff appearances with Mavericks.
24. Jerry Stackhouse (SG/SF)
Five seasons from 2004 to 2009
Stats in Dallas: 12.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists (40.9% FG; 31.4% 3FG; 86.5% FT)
Notable accolades: 2-time All-Star, All Rookie Team (1995-96)
The case: Ranks fifth in franchise history in highest free throw percentage (86.5%).
23. Jay Vincent (SF/PF)
Five seasons from 1981 to 1986
Stats in Dallas: 16.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists (48.2% FG; 78.4% FT)
Notable accolades: All-Rookie Team (1981-82)
The case: The former Michigan State wing made an immediate impact in Dallas, averaging 21 points and seven rebounds as a rookie while shooting nearly 50% from the field.
Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson (13) tries to drive around Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first quarter in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in San Francisco.
Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer
22. Jalen Brunson (PG/SG)
Four seasons from 2018 to 2022
Stats in Dallas: 11.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists (48.9% FG; 38.9% 3FG; 80% FT)
Notable accolades: 2-time All-Star, 2-time All-NBA
The case: Scored a combined 72 points and 11 assists in Games 2 and 3 of the 2022 first round playoffs to carry the Mavericks. Arguably one of the franchise’s biggest what-ifs, especially considering his transformation into an All-NBA caliber player in New York.
21. Devin Harris (PG/SG)
10 seasons from 2004-08 and 2014-18
Stats in Dallas: 8.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.9 steals (43.7% FT; 33.1% 3FG; 78.7% FT)
Accolades: All-Star (2008-09)
The case: Had three stints with the Mavericks and was a member of the 2006 NBA Finals team. Ranks eighth in franchise history in steals (559) and ninth in games played (608).
Dallas Mavericks forward Jamal Mashburn in action during a game with the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 9, 1995.
Staff Photo
20. Jamal Mashburn (SF)
Four seasons from 1994 to 1997
Stats in Dallas: 19.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.0 steals (41.2% FG; 31.4% 3FG; 71.6% FT)
Notable accolades: All-Star (2003), All-NBA (2002-03), All-Rookie Team (1993-94)
The case: Ranks fifth in franchise history in points per game (19.9). One of four Mavericks with a 50-point game.
19. James Donaldson (C)
Seven seasons from 1985 to 1992
Stats in Dallas: 8.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks (55.1% FG; 76.1% FT)
The case: Had one All-Star appearance in 1988 and owns the franchise record for most 20-rebound games (12).
18. Jim Jackson (SF/SG)
Five seasons from 1992 to 1997
Stats in Dallas: 19.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.9 steals (44.3% FG; 33.6% 3FG; 80.8% FT)
The case: One of four Mavericks with a 50-point game.
17. Roy Tarpley (PF/C)
Six seasons from 1986 to 1995
Stats in Dallas: 12.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.2 blocks (48.3% FG; 74.4% FT)
Notable accolades: Sixth Man of the Year (1987-88), All-Rookie Team (1986-87)
The case: Helped Mavericks reach the conference finals in 1988-89. Ranks second in franchise history in rebounds per game (10.0). Owns the second-most 20-rebound games in franchise history (11).
Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) reacts after forcing a turnover on Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh (1) during the fourth quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena Thursday, June 2, 2011 in Miami. Dallas won the game 95-93. (Michael Ainsworth/The Dallas Morning News) 06032011xSPORTS 12092011xSPORTS
Michael Ainsworth / Staff Photographer
16. Tyson Chandler (C)
Two seasons from 2010-11 and 2014-15
Stats in Dallas: 10.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.4 blocks (66% FG; 67.9% FT)
Notable accolades: NBA Champion (2011), All-Star (2013)
The case: Fan favorite from the 2011 title team. Owns franchise record for highest field goal percentage with a minimum of 500 attempts (.660) and rebounds per game (10.4).
Day 2 of ranking top 45 Mavericks in franchise history: New standouts, Hall of Fame guardFormer Mavericks assistant God Shammgod on leaving Dallas: ‘It was just getting spooky’
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