Last Updated on December 23, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here is a list of Dallas Mavericks Legends, featuring the players, coaches, and contributors who have left a lasting impact on the franchise:

Dirk Nowitzki

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Years Played: 1998–2019 (entire career with Mavericks)
  • Achievements:
    • NBA Champion (2011)
    • NBA Finals MVP (2011)
    • NBA MVP (2007)
    • 14× NBA All-Star
    • 6th on the NBA’s All-Time Scoring List
    • The Mavericks retired his jersey number (#41).
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (2023)
  • Widely regarded as the greatest player in Mavericks history, Dirk revolutionized the power forward position with his shooting and led the franchise to its first and only championship in 2011.

Mark Aguirre

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years Played: 1981–1989
  • Achievements:
    • 3× NBA All-Star (all with Mavericks)
    • Averaged 29.5 points per game in the 1983–84 season, a franchise record.
  • Aguirre was the Mavericks’ first true superstar, helping to put the team on the NBA map during the 1980s.

Rolando Blackman

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Years Played: 1981–1992
  • Achievements:
    • 4× NBA All-Star
    • Mavericks all-time leader in games played (until Dirk surpassed him).
    • Mavericks retired his jersey number (#22).
  • Known for his scoring, leadership, and clutch performances, Blackman is one of the most beloved players in franchise history.

Derek Harper

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years Played: 1983–1994, 1996–1997
  • Achievements:
    • Mavericks’ all-time leader in assists and steals.
    • Mavericks retired his jersey number (#12).
  • Harper was the floor general for Dallas during the 1980s and early 1990s, known for his defensive tenacity and playmaking.

Jason Kidd

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years Played: 1994–1996, 2008–2012
  • Achievements:
    • NBA Champion (2011)
    • Mavericks retired his jersey number (#2).
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (2018)
  • Kidd is one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, helping lead the Mavericks to their 2011 title and contributing as a brilliant passer and leader.

Steve Nash

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years Played: 1998–2004
  • Achievements:
    • 2× NBA MVP (after leaving Mavericks)
    • 6× All-Star (2× with Mavericks)
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (2018)
  • Nash formed a deadly duo with Dirk Nowitzki during his time in Dallas, helping the Mavericks become perennial playoff contenders in the early 2000s.

Michael Finley

  • Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
  • Years Played: 1996–2005
  • Achievements:
    • 2× NBA All-Star
    • Consistent scoring threat and a key contributor during the Mavericks’ turnaround into a competitive franchise.

Shawn Marion (“The Matrix”)

  • Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
  • Years Played: 2009–2014
  • Achievements:
    • NBA Champion (2011)
    • Known for his versatile defense, rebounding, and unorthodox shooting style, Marion played a crucial role in the Mavericks’ championship run.

Tyson Chandler

  • Position: Center
  • Years Played: 2010–2011, 2014–2015
  • Achievements:
    • NBA Champion (2011)
    • NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2012, post-Mavericks)
  • Chandler was the defensive anchor and heart of the 2011 championship team, providing elite rim protection and leadership.

JJ Barea

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years Played: 2006–2011, 2014–2020
  • Achievements:
    • NBA Champion (2011)
  • Despite being undersized, Barea’s fearless playmaking and scoring were vital in the Mavericks’ upset victory over the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.

Brad Davis

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years Played: 1980–1992
  • Achievements:
    • Mavericks retired his jersey number (#15).
  • Davis was one of the original Mavericks and became a symbol of stability and professionalism during the franchise’s early years.

Josh Howard

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years Played: 2003–2010
  • Achievements:
    • NBA All-Star (2007)
  • Howard was a key player during the Mavericks’ run to the 2006 NBA Finals and was known for his scoring and versatility.

Other Notable Legends:

  • Sam Perkins: A reliable scorer and rebounder during his time with Dallas in the 1980s.
  • Devin Harris: A speedy guard who had multiple stints with the Mavericks.
  • Tyronn Lue: While not a long-term player, Lue played a small but meaningful role during his time in Dallas.

These players and contributors have helped define the Mavericks’ identity and their rise to becoming an elite NBA franchise.