NBA: All-Time Starting 5 of the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks were founded in 1980 and they started in the NBA as an expansion team. The Mavericks had great success in their first decade in the league, making the playoffs six times. They were even one win away from an NBA Finals appearance in 1988 but they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, the Mavericks had a difficult decade in the 1990s as they did not make the playoffs once. Their fortunes changed when Dirk Nowitzki developed into one of the best players in the league starting in 2000. Dallas made 12 straight postseason appearances, reaching the top of the NBA mountain in 2011 when they won their first championship.

Now, the Mavericks are in rebuilding mode with an aging Dirk Nowitzki. Their future lies in the hands of Luka Doncic, who looks like a future MVP. Throughout their existence, the Mavericks have produced great players and here are the five that made their all-time starting five.

Center – Sam Perkins

Starting his career in Dallas, Sam Perkins was drafted fourth overall in 1994. Perkins was a consistent player for the Mavericks during his six-year tenure. He averaged almost a double-double in six seasons, 15.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. He was named to the All-Rookie First Team in 1985.

Perkins was ahead of his time as one of first stretch big men in the NBA. He ranks eighth in the team’s all-time scoring list with 6,766 points. He also sits third in rebounds, sixth in blocks, and tenth in steals. He also played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle SuperSonics, and Indiana Pacers but he never became an All-Star or won an NBA championship.

Honorable Mention: Forward – Josh Howard

Due to the number of great guards in Mavericks history, we will put Josh Howard in the forward position as an honorable mention. Howard was drafted 29th overall in 2003 and was a real steal for the Mavericks. He was a one-time All-Star but his later career was hampered by injuries. Howard spent seven seasons in Dallas.