For the Dallas Mavericks, the old adage “new year new me” might ring true for this upcoming year and decade. While most teams might reflect on the previous decade proudly, the Mavericks might reflect on it awkwardly. There was a championship, followed by uncertainly, then a moment of darkness before seeing the light. It was good, it was bad, it was everything in between. Here is an attempt at ranking the Mavericks top-10 players of the decade.
10. Jason Terry
Kicking off the Mavericks top-10 list is a guy who tattooed the Larry O’Brien trophy on his arm before the championship season even began. Jason Terry represents a passing of the guard so to speak for the Mavericks. He only played in two seasons this decade for the team, but his post season contributions during the Mavericks’ lone title run are enough to include him here. He showed up big time against the Miami Heat and will go down in history as one of the most loved players of all time for this franchise.
9. Dwight Powell
If you scan Mavs twitter recently, you’ll get very strong opinions about Dwight Powell. Some love him, some… not so much. Powell was a throw-in during the Rajon Rondo trade, which now should be renamed to the Dwight Powell trade. Powell has played over 350 games with team this decade. He also secured a multi-year contract with the team to be around for the start of the upcoming decade as well. Love him or hate him, he has been a key big man for the Mavericks for more years than most of the other big’s they’ve rostered.
8. Tyson Chandler
If you polled most Mavs fans, Tyson Chandler would still be at the top of one of the team’s favorite players. He’d certainly be near the top for big center in franchise history. He only played in two seasons in Dallas, but one of those resulted in a championship. Chandler was the perfect center to be paired next to Dirk and quickly became a vocal leader who brought a grit this team had lacked for years. He averaged a double double in his brief time with Dallas, which automatically vaults him up the big man rankings for Dallas.
7. Harrison Barnes
Say what you want about Harrison Barnes, but he came into a situation that he was probably ill-prepared for. He snagged a big contract to be the guy, when at best, he was a third option on a championship team. Even still, he became nearly a 20-point-per-night scorer and was able to soak up quality minutes next to Dirk. His decision making and shot selection may leave fans something to be desired. However, for a brief moment he was the future of the team.
6. Vince Carter
Vince Carter arrived in Dallas at a weird time for the franchise. They had recently won it all, but quickly went into retooling the roster instead of running back the championship squad. Even in his short time with the team, was a fan favorite and easily one of the most likable guys on the team. He wasn’t the high-flying player who thrilled crowds in Toronto or New Jersey, but he was a key leader during a vulnerable time in Dallas.
5. Monta Ellis
Before Monta Ellis arrived in Dallas, they had just missed the postseason for the first time in 12 seasons. He only spent two seasons as a Maverick, and it should be no surprise as to why and how they got back to the post-season during his two-year stint. Ellis was a walking bucket for the team and wore his heart on his sleeve. As is the trend with this decade of Mavericks basketball, Ellis was a few years past his prime, but he still provided quality support around the team’s leader, Dirk Nowitzki.
4. Shawn Marion
Shawn Marion was well past his prime during his days in Dallas too, but he continually worked on his craft to continue being one of the most versatile players in the league. His four seasons in Dallas this decade were spent providing a leadership and toughness that this team needed during the post-championship era.
3. J.J. Barea
Outside of Dirk, no one spent more time with the team than J.J. Barea. He’s part of the heart and soul of this franchise. While his numbers may not jump out at you, he’s been one of the mainstays of a locker room that has had a revolving door on players lately. He’s never going to be the biggest guy on the court, but he’ll be one of the biggest leaders off the bench.
2. Luka Doncic
It might be preposterous to put Luka Doncic so high on the Mavericks top-10 list, but this past decade of Mavericks basketball hasn’t been the most glamorous. Doncic not only won the Rookie of the Year award, but he’s steadily climbing the ranks on many Mav’s all-time list. He ushers in a new era and new decade for the Mavericks, one that is pull of potential and promise.
1. Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki is and was clearly the face of the franchise and the most beloved Dallas athlete of all time. He kicked off the decade by winning the first ever championship for the Mavericks. And he finished his career near the end of the decade by being sixth all-time in NBA scoring. There may never been another athlete in Dallas Maverick’s history that is more respected than Dirk.
Mavericks Top-10 Honorable Mentions
I initially had Wesley Matthews in the Mavericks Top-10 instead of Jason Terry. He played over 100 more games this decade than Terry did. However, most fans aren’t going to remember his time (and his contract) too fondly.
Dorian Finney-Smith is also a player who has blossomed into his own these past two seasons and who appears to be a key defensive piece for the time going forward. Ultimately, nostalgia won out in most cases.
The only other player worth recognition at the moment is Devin Harris. Harris spent five and half seasons on the team, while mainly battling injuries as a reserve. He kicked off his career as a Maverick, and for the time being, has ended his career as a Maverick.
