Building the Ultimate Dallas Mavericks Lineup: Pick Your Five from the Best Players at Every Position in Franchise History

If you had to assemble the ultimate Dallas Mavericks lineup, who would you choose? The franchise has been home to a rich variety of talent over the years, featuring stars and legends who have each left an indelible mark on the team’s history. To create the perfect starting five, you must sift through a deep pool of players who excelled at each position—point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. The challenge is to pick from the top four players at each position in franchise history, balancing skill, impact, and legacy. Let’s break down the contenders and imagine what the ultimate Mavericks lineup would look like.

Starting with point guard, the Mavericks’ history boasts some truly exceptional talents. Derek Harper is often remembered for his tough defense, leadership, and steady playmaking during the late 80s and 90s. He was a key piece of the Mavericks as they fought through ups and downs in the franchise’s early years. Luka Doncic, however, represents the new era. His combination of scoring, passing, and rebounding at such a young age has already put him in the conversation as the face of the franchise for decades to come. Steve Nash, although his time in Dallas was brief, left a lasting impression with his incredible vision and shooting, later becoming a two-time MVP with other teams. Jason Kidd brought veteran leadership, elite passing, and a competitive edge during his tenure, elevating the Mavericks’ backcourt and mentoring younger players.

At shooting guard, the list is equally impressive. Jim Jackson was a versatile scorer and solid defender who gave the Mavericks offensive firepower in the 90s. Jason Terry, known as “The Jet,” was a clutch performer and a key contributor to the 2011 championship run, bringing sharpshooting and energy off the bench or as a starter. Kyrie Irving’s time in Dallas was brief but impactful, showcasing his scoring prowess and ball-handling skills. Rolando Blackman is a beloved Mavericks icon, a four-time All-Star whose smooth scoring and leadership helped shape the franchise’s identity during the 80s.

Small forward is an intriguing position to fill, with Jamal Mashburn, Michael Finley, Mark Aguirre, and Josh Howard all making strong cases. Mashburn was an explosive scorer and strong rebounder during his peak, blending toughness with skill. Michael Finley spent a decade in Dallas and became the team’s leader through the late 90s and early 2000s, known for his scoring ability and clutch performances. Mark Aguirre, a two-time NBA champion before joining Dallas, provided scoring and veteran leadership. Josh Howard was a solid two-way player who helped the Mavericks during their successful mid-2000s playoff runs with his scoring and defense.

At power forward, the most obvious choice is Dirk Nowitzki. His revolutionary style of play, unmatched shooting, and loyalty to the Mavericks make him the cornerstone of any all-time lineup. Jay Vincent was a consistent scorer during his time with Dallas and a dependable frontcourt presence. Roy Tarpley was incredibly talented but struggled with off-court issues; when healthy, he was dominant on both ends of the floor. Sam Perkins, a versatile big man with a smooth jumper, contributed key minutes for the Mavericks over several seasons.

The center position includes James Donaldson, Tyson Chandler, Kristaps Porzingis, and Shawn Bradley. Donaldson was a reliable defensive anchor in the late 80s and early 90s. Tyson Chandler, a former Defensive Player of the Year, was a crucial element of the 2011 championship team, providing rim protection, rebounding, and toughness. Kristaps Porzingis is a modern big man known for his shooting and shot-blocking ability, who showed flashes of brilliance during his tenure in Dallas. Shawn Bradley, with his towering height and shot-blocking, made a notable impact during the late 90s, though his offensive game was limited.

Given this impressive pool, constructing the ultimate Mavericks lineup involves weighing various factors: scoring, defense, playmaking, leadership, and overall impact on the franchise. Starting at point guard, Luka Doncic is a no-brainer. His transcendent talent, ability to score from anywhere, and capacity to control the game make him the best Mavericks point guard of all time. His youth and potential only add to his appeal as the franchise’s centerpiece.

At shooting guard, Jason Terry edges out the others due to his crucial role in the Mavericks’ only NBA championship run. His leadership, clutch shooting, and ability to create his own shot make him invaluable. Rolando Blackman’s legacy is strong, but Terry’s proven impact in the postseason gives him the edge.

For small forward, Michael Finley is the ideal choice. His longevity with the team, scoring ability, and leadership during a transitional period for the franchise make him the standout. Jamal Mashburn’s athleticism and scoring were impressive, but Finley’s consistency and emotional connection with the fans place him ahead.

At power forward, Dirk Nowitzki is simply irreplaceable. He revolutionized the power forward position, becoming one of the greatest shooters and scorers in NBA history. His loyalty to Dallas and the championship he delivered cement his status as the greatest Maverick ever.

Finally, at center, Tyson Chandler takes the spot. His defensive presence, rebounding, and intangibles were vital to the Mavericks’ championship success. While Kristaps Porzingis showed promise, Chandler’s contributions to a title-winning team and defensive dominance give him the advantage.

Thus, the ultimate Dallas Mavericks starting five would be Luka Doncic at point guard, Jason Terry at shooting guard, Michael Finley at small forward, Dirk Nowitzki at power forward, and Tyson Chandler at center. This lineup balances offensive firepower, defense, and championship experience. It blends the franchise’s past, present, and future—showcasing the best of what the Mavericks have to offer in each position.

This group would be a nightmare matchup for any team. Luka’s playmaking and scoring ability would orchestrate the offense, with Terry’s sharpshooting stretching defenses. Finley’s all-around scoring and toughness would add versatility, while Dirk’s revolutionary shooting and footwork would keep defenses guessing. Chandler would anchor the defense and protect the rim, creating a perfect balance of offense and defense.

The Mavericks franchise has seen many great players, but when it comes to assembling an all-time starting five from the top four players at each position, this lineup stands out as the most complete, balanced, and impactful. It honors the legacy of Dallas basketball while looking forward to its bright future. Who would you pick if you were building the ultimate Mavericks team? The debate is open, but this roster certainly gives fans a starting point for the conversation.