Former Teammate Leaves Luka Dončić Off Mavericks All-Time Starting Five, Sparking Debate Over Legacy and Franchise History
In the NBA, few things spark as much debate among fans, analysts, and players as all-time rankings. Whether it’s top 10 lists, greatest-of-all-time discussions, or hypothetical starting fives, the act of comparing players across different eras has long fueled the emotional core of basketball culture. So when a former Dallas Mavericks player recently excluded Luka Dončić from his all-time Mavericks starting five, it sent shockwaves through the fanbase and reignited a familiar debate: how do you weigh legacy against current greatness?
The exclusion wasn’t done maliciously. It didn’t come with trash talk or ill will. In fact, it came from a former teammate—someone who shared a locker room, practiced with Luka daily, and saw his rise up close. That’s precisely what makes the omission so surprising. Luka Dončić, at just 26 years old, is already one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. His statistics, accolades, and impact on the Mavericks since entering the league in 2018 are staggering. Yet for some, including this former teammate, it still isn’t enough to merit a spot on the all-time Dallas starting five. But why?
To understand the magnitude of this decision, you first have to grasp what Luka Dončić has already achieved in a relatively short span. He burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy from Slovenia, winning Rookie of the Year in 2019 and quickly establishing himself as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. Since then, he has racked up multiple All-Star and All-NBA selections, led the Mavericks to several playoff appearances—including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2024—and shattered numerous franchise records along the way. His blend of scoring, passing, rebounding, and court vision is unlike anything the franchise has seen before, not even during the Dirk Nowitzki era.
Yet, the former teammate who left him off the list—let’s call him “Player X” for the sake of neutrality—seemed to value tenure, championship legacy, and overall career impact more than individual brilliance in a condensed timeline. When Player X revealed his all-time Mavericks starting five, the names he included made sense: Dirk Nowitzki at power forward, of course—the heart and soul of the franchise, Finals MVP, 21 years with the team, and an undisputed top-20 player in NBA history. At center, perhaps someone like Tyson Chandler, the defensive anchor of the 2011 title team. At the guard spots, names like Jason Kidd or Steve Nash—Hall of Fame talents who shaped the Mavericks’ identity in their own right. And on the wing, maybe Michael Finley, a longtime scorer and leader during the early 2000s.
What stands out immediately is that many of these players contributed to winning at the highest level in Dallas. The 2011 championship team looms large in Mavericks lore, and understandably so. It was a culmination of grit, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that resonated with fans and became the gold standard for measuring franchise greatness. For Player X and others who were part of that era or influenced by it, the championship ring acts as a trump card. Luka, despite all his talent, hasn’t yet captured that elusive title.
But does that mean he doesn’t belong?
That’s where the debate gets heated. On a purely statistical level, Luka Dončić already ranks among the top Mavericks in nearly every major category. He’s the fastest player in team history to reach 10,000 points, and he holds multiple records for triple-doubles, scoring average, and usage. He’s carried undermanned rosters deep into the playoffs and has been the singular reason the Mavericks have remained relevant in a hyper-competitive Western Conference. For many fans, that kind of singular impact is more than enough to warrant inclusion on any all-time list—especially when you consider he’s not yet reached his prime.
There’s also the eye test. Luka’s mastery of the game—his ability to manipulate defenses, his fearless shot-making, and his unselfish passing—makes him a generational talent. He’s not just a volume scorer or highlight machine; he’s a true floor general who elevates everyone around him. Even his peers—rival stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant—have praised his maturity and skill. Coaches game-plan around him. Broadcasters marvel at his poise. International fans see him as the face of global basketball. That kind of transcendent presence is rare—and for some, should override any lack of hardware or longevity.
Still, others argue that being the best player on a team doesn’t automatically translate to all-time greatness within a franchise. They emphasize that legacy is built over time, with leadership, sacrifice, and moments that define eras. Luka may have the numbers and flair, but he hasn’t yet delivered the ultimate prize. Unlike Dirk Nowitzki, who stayed loyal to the franchise through thick and thin and finally broke through in his 13th season, Luka is still writing his story. There are concerns—however exaggerated—that he could someday leave for a bigger market or grow frustrated with the front office. Until that loyalty and perseverance are proven over time, some older fans and former players may be hesitant to crown him as an all-time Maverick just yet.
Another argument is that while Luka is the best individual player the Mavericks have had since Dirk, he hasn’t yet had a defining team moment that reshapes the franchise. The 2024 NBA Finals appearance was a step in that direction, but the Mavericks lost, and Luka’s performance—while brilliant—wasn’t enough to secure a ring. For many fans, iconic all-time teams are remembered for their rings, not just their potential. That’s why players like Jason Terry or even J.J. Barea, who played crucial roles in the 2011 title run, are sometimes elevated in fan discussions despite having less overall talent than Luka. Rings matter. And so do moments.
It’s also possible that Player X’s exclusion of Luka wasn’t even about dismissing his greatness, but rather about honoring the past. Nostalgia plays a powerful role in all-time lists. Fans and former players often have deep emotional connections to the teams they grew up watching or played alongside. Leaving out someone like Steve Nash or Michael Finley, for instance, may feel like erasing part of the franchise’s identity. Choosing five players means tough decisions, and sometimes modern stars fall victim to timing. Luka may simply be a casualty of respect for those who came before him.
That said, most objective observers believe Luka’s place in the Mavericks’ all-time starting five is not a question of “if” but “when.” If he stays with the team and continues to produce at this level, he will obliterate every statistical milestone the franchise has. He’s already eclipsing legends in pace and impact, and one or two more deep playoff runs could solidify his place permanently. A championship would make his inclusion undeniable. And even without one, his unique blend of individual dominance and cultural relevance makes him one of the most important players in Mavericks history.
The reaction to Player X’s list has been predictably polarized. Some fans feel betrayed, arguing that Luka is already second only to Dirk in franchise importance. Others understand the sentiment, viewing all-time lists as reflections of broader values—team success, loyalty, longevity. The truth probably lies somewhere in between. Luka Dončić is a once-in-a-generation talent whose legacy is still unfolding. He’s already changed the trajectory of the Mavericks franchise, and he’s well on his way to being the greatest Maverick not named Dirk.
Still, there’s something uniquely human about lists like these. They force us to confront how we value greatness. Is it about rings or raw ability? Impact or image? Loyalty or highlights? For some, greatness is about the memories burned into our minds—the Game 6 dagger from Dirk, the alley-oop from Kidd to Chandler, the parade down Victory Avenue. For others, it’s about undeniable skill, numbers that defy logic, and the awe of watching something extraordinary night after night.
Luka Dončić doesn’t need a former teammate’s validation to confirm his greatness. He proves it every time he steps on the court. And while he may not yet be a unanimous choice for the Mavericks’ all-time starting five, he’s well on his way. If history is any guide, time will render these debates moot. Greatness has a way of silencing doubt—and Luka Dončić, more than most, seems destined to make believers out of everyone eventually.
