The Indelible Legacy: The Dallas Mavericks’ All-Time Starting Five Debate

 

For decades, the Dallas Mavericks have been a franchise defined by a singular, iconic figure: Dirk Nowitzki. The legendary German forward is the heart and soul of the organization, a player whose unparalleled loyalty and dedication delivered the city its only NBA championship in 2011. But while Nowitzki’s spot on any all-time Mavericks list is a given, the rest of the starting lineup is a subject of passionate, and often heated, debate among a loyal and knowledgeable fanbase. This conversation, which has been reignited by the recent and controversial departure of Luka Dončić, is a testament to the franchise’s rich and complicated history.

The ultimate question for Dallas Mavericks fans is not just about picking the five most talented players; it’s about crafting the perfect team. It’s a philosophical exercise that forces fans to consider not only talent but also on-court chemistry, era-specific context, and a player’s indelible legacy with the franchise.

The only true consensus pick is, of course, Dirk Nowitzki at power forward. His numbers, accomplishments, and cultural impact are simply unassailable. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, games played, and a host of other categories. He is a one-time MVP, a Finals MVP, and a 14-time All-Star. His signature one-legged fadeaway is one of the most iconic moves in the history of the sport, and his championship victory in 2011, a triumph over a star-studded Miami Heat team, is the single greatest moment in franchise history. He is the ultimate untouchable on this list.

The first, and most explosive, point of contention is at the point guard position. For years, the debate was between Jason Kidd and Steve Nash. Both players were instrumental in the Mavericks’ success, but they represent two different eras and two distinct styles of play. Nash, a two-time MVP (though both of his awards came after he left Dallas), was a dynamic offensive force. He was a master of the pick-and-roll, a brilliant passer, and one of the most efficient shooters in the history of the game. He was the perfect offensive complement to Dirk Nowitzki. Kidd, on the other hand, was a defensive stalwart and a pass-first floor general. In his second stint with the Mavericks, he was the heart and soul of the 2011 championship team, a veteran leader who orchestrated the offense and provided a level of defensive intensity that was crucial to the team’s success.

The debate has now been complicated by the short but electric tenure of Luka Dončić. In his six seasons with the Mavericks, Dončić was an offensive force of nature, a player who put up historic numbers and carried the team to the Finals in 2024. His versatility, clutch shooting, and unmatched playmaking ability made him a cultural phenomenon and a clear contender for the greatest player in franchise history. However, his recent trade and the manner in which it was handled have left a bitter taste in the mouths of some fans. The question is: Do you reward his individual brilliance or do you penalize him for his short and ultimately souring tenure with the team? For a fan, it’s a difficult and emotional question, one that speaks to the very definition of legacy.

When it comes to the shooting guard position, two names stand above the rest: Rolando Blackman and Michael Finley. Blackman was a cornerstone of the Mavericks in the 1980s, a four-time All-Star who was the franchise’s all-time leading scorer until Dirk Nowitzki surpassed him. He was a consistent and reliable scorer who helped put the Mavericks on the map. Finley, on the other hand, was a key figure in the team’s late-90s resurgence. He was a two-time All-Star and a versatile wing who could score, defend, and create for his teammates. He was a crucial part of the “Big Three” with Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash that helped turn the Mavericks into a perennial playoff contender. A younger, more recent option for the two-guard would be Jason Terry, the Sixth Man of the Year on the 2011 championship team, who hit a number of clutch shots during the Finals run.

The small forward position is another area of intense debate, with a few different names vying for the spot. Mark Aguirre, the Mavericks’ first-ever first-overall pick, was a prolific scorer who helped define the franchise’s early years. He was a three-time All-Star and a dominant offensive force. Another strong candidate is Michael Finley, whose versatility would allow him to play the three in a smaller, more modern lineup. A more defense-oriented option would be Shawn Marion, a key piece of the 2011 championship team who was a defensive menace and a glue guy who did all the little things to help his team win. His presence would add a level of toughness and defensive intensity that the other candidates lack.

Finally, at the center position, there is a clear divide between the old school and the modern. The most popular choice, and a fan favorite, is Tyson Chandler, the defensive anchor of the 2011 championship team. His interior defense, shot-blocking, and rebounding were instrumental in the team’s title run. He was the perfect complement to Dirk Nowitzki’s offensive brilliance. Other candidates include Erick Dampier, a long-time Maverick who was a steady presence in the post, and James Donaldson, a durable and reliable center from the 1980s. A more modern choice, and a popular one among fans who are building a team to win in today’s NBA, would be Dereck Lively II, whose chemistry with Dončić in their short time together was truly special.

The great debate among Mavericks fans is not about who is on the list, but about what kind of team you are trying to build. Are you building a team based on individual talent, or a team based on chemistry and success? Are you building a team that can win in the 1980s, or a team that can win in today’s NBA? No matter the final five, the conversation is a powerful reminder of the deep connection between a city, a team, and the players who made it great.