With injuries piling up and a lack of triumphs this season, it’s fair to say the Dallas Mavericks have experienced better times. Hopefully, things will turn around as the season further progresses, but many fans are understandably pining for the good old days when the Mavericks were arguably a more formidable force thanks to some undeniable heroes.
In fact, there have been some excellent players who have pulled on a Mavericks jersey over the years. Some professionals were habitual winners who led from the front, others oozed class on the court, and there were players who loved an intense battle with a rival. As a city, Dallas has been treated to some exceptional talents throughout the Mavericks’ history, that’s for sure.
However, today’s current crop could potentially require some inspiration from these former heroes. Likewise, fans who want to put their faith in Mavericks players when making their fantasy picks and placing any bets after looking at the latest NBA betting lines are also struggling. So, with that in mind, below we revisit some former heroes who provided some magical moments during their time with the team.
Mark Aguirre
Kicking things off with a truly world-class operator, Mark Aguirre played for the Mavericks between 1981 and 1989, and he rarely let the team down. A first pick, Aguirre lived up to his initial billing by always averaging 22.4 points per game. Such was his influence that he also made three All-Star appearances, alongside a whole host of other notable achievements. A player fans will always remember fondly, Mark Aguirre was an exceptional basketball player.
Jay Vincent
A player more senior Mavericks fans will surely recall, Jay Vincent turned out for the team for five seasons and was behind some iconic moments. Vincent also managed to win three Rookie of the Month awards, highlighting how successful his adaptation to the NBA was. A player who knew how to score when the team needed it, Jay Vincent was a reliable presence.
Roy Tarpley
First and foremost, it’s worth pointing out that Roy Tarpley’s decline was a sad one. The former player violated substance abuse policies, resulting in an eventual ban from the sport. However, despite his obvious issues off the court, Tarpley was a joy to watch at times when he was on it. Not only did his stellar showings lead to the 1987-88 Sixth Man of the Year award, but he was also a regular points scorer and a dangerous shot swatter. Ultimately, Roy Tarpley’s demise was sad to witness given his quality. Still, he deserves a mention.
Shawn Marion
Now aged 47, Shawn Marion can look back on his playing days and know he was a key performer for the Mavericks. The four-time All-Star was a wonderful player, he played a major role in the team winning an NBA Championship, and he regularly averaged double-digit scoring outputs. A star who delivered in the biggest of moments, Shawn Marion was an excellent player.
Dirk Nowitzki
As far as Dallas Mavericks legends go, they don’t get much bigger than Dirk Nowitzki. The giant German, who is now known for being a special advisor to the Dallas Mavericks, achieved it all with the team. Sure, some awards escaped him, but achievements like making the All-NBA team on 12 occasions and winning an MVP award cannot be ignored. Also a one-team player who was never seen at another franchise, this high point scorer and reliable assist maker is easily the biggest name associated with the team.
Special mention must also go to Rolando Blackman, Jason Terry, Derek Harper, Brad Davis, Michael Finley, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Sam Perkins, and Josh Howard.
