The Definitive, Unquestionable, and Undisputed All-Time Starting Five in Dallas Mavericks History – No Debate Necessary.
When discussing the greatest players in Dallas Mavericks history, debates often arise over who truly deserves a place in the franchise’s all-time starting five. However, for those who have closely followed the team through its highs and lows—from its humble beginnings in 1980 to the glorious championship run in 2011 and into its modern era—a consensus has quietly emerged. This is not a list built on hype or fleeting popularity. It’s grounded in statistics, legacy, team impact, leadership, and unforgettable moments that shaped the Mavericks into the franchise it is today. So without further ado, here is the Dallas Mavericks’ definitive, unquestionable, and undisputed all-time starting five. No debate necessary.
At point guard, the spot belongs unequivocally to Jason Kidd. While his first stint in Dallas from 1994 to 1996 was marked by individual brilliance and youthful potential, it was his return to the team in 2008 that cemented his legacy. Kidd’s second go-around with the Mavericks was about maturity, leadership, and championship pedigree. He wasn’t just a stat-stuffer; he was the floor general who orchestrated one of the most efficient offenses in NBA history. During the 2011 title run, it was Kidd’s poise, vision, and unrelenting defense that helped steer the team through tough matchups. He didn’t need to score 20 points a night. Instead, he guarded opposing stars, made clutch threes, and served as the cerebral core of the team. With over 12,000 career assists and a Hall of Fame resume, Kidd is an obvious inclusion. No other Maverick has commanded the court like him from the point guard position, and his contributions to the franchise’s only championship push him well beyond any possible competitor.
Shooting guard is where we insert the lethal scorer and emotional engine that was Rolando Blackman. The Mavericks’ first true star, Blackman was an offensive powerhouse and four-time All-Star during the 1980s and early ’90s. For more than a decade, he served as the face of the franchise, embodying class, consistency, and killer instinct. He retired as the Mavericks’ all-time leading scorer (before being surpassed by Dirk Nowitzki, of course), and he still holds the record for the second-most points in team history. Blackman’s mid-range jumper was practically automatic, and he had an unshakable cool in pressure moments. His scoring prowess, combined with his loyalty to Dallas and contributions to the team’s early success—including several playoff runs—make his case bulletproof. He laid the foundation for the culture of toughness and professionalism that future Mavericks would build on.
The small forward position goes to the underrated yet undeniable talent of Mark Aguirre. Though not as celebrated as others due to personality clashes and his eventual departure, Aguirre was an offensive machine during his time in Dallas. A two-time All-Star with the Mavericks and the centerpiece of the team’s 1980s playoff squads, Aguirre averaged over 24 points per game in his time with the team. His ability to score at will from virtually anywhere on the floor made him one of the most feared wings of his era. Aguirre’s peak seasons were phenomenal, including a monstrous 29.5 points-per-game average in the 1983–84 season. While he would later win championships with the Detroit Pistons, it was in Dallas where he built his legacy. When you’re building an all-time lineup, you can’t ignore raw offensive output and game-changing ability—and Aguirre had both in abundance.
Power forward is perhaps the easiest choice in all of basketball—Dirk Nowitzki. There is no debate, no argument, no alternative. Dirk is the Dallas Mavericks. Over a legendary 21-year career with the same franchise, Nowitzki transformed the Mavericks from an also-ran into a perennial contender. He redefined what a big man could be, stretching the floor with his iconic one-legged fadeaway and becoming one of the most unguardable players the game has ever seen. With over 31,000 career points—all with Dallas—Dirk is not only the franchise’s all-time leading scorer but also one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history. He was the 2007 NBA MVP and the 2011 Finals MVP, leading the Mavericks to their first and only NBA championship. That postseason run alone—where he defeated teams loaded with superstars—elevated his legacy into the pantheon of all-time greats. Beyond the stats and accolades, Dirk’s loyalty, humility, and leadership made him beloved by teammates, fans, and even rivals. His presence in this lineup isn’t just essential—it’s the foundation everything else is built on.
At center, we round out this elite lineup with Tyson Chandler. While Chandler only spent two seasons in Dallas, his impact during the 2010–2011 championship season was nothing short of seismic. In that one year, he turned a historically soft defensive team into one of the most rugged, resilient groups in the league. His defensive presence, rim protection, and rebounding gave Dirk the freedom to dominate offensively. Chandler’s ability to anchor the defense and bring intensity every night made the Mavericks a true two-way threat. He was the defensive heart of that championship team, barking out instructions, battling in the paint, and securing crucial rebounds when it mattered most. While other centers have had longer tenures in Dallas—like Sam Perkins or Shawn Bradley—none had the single-season impact that Chandler did when the stakes were highest. For that reason, he earns the nod in this lineup. Winning matters, and no center in Mavericks history had a greater influence on winning at the highest level than Tyson Chandler.
With this starting five—Jason Kidd, Rolando Blackman, Mark Aguirre, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tyson Chandler—you have a blend of leadership, scoring, defense, and championship pedigree. More importantly, you have five individuals whose fingerprints are all over the most significant chapters in franchise history. Kidd and Chandler represent the backbone of the 2011 title team, a squad defined by unselfishness, grit, and brilliance. Blackman and Aguirre symbolize the franchise’s coming-of-age era in the 1980s, where playoff battles against the Lakers and Celtics turned Dallas into a respected force. And then there’s Dirk—transcending eras, statistics, and narratives—to become the soul of the Mavericks.
Of course, there are names that deserve honorable mention. Derek Harper was a longtime Maverick who brought toughness and defensive savvy to the point guard position. Michael Finley was a prolific scorer and key piece of the early 2000s resurgence. Steve Nash’s brief but electric partnership with Nowitzki helped revolutionize the team’s offense. Jamal Mashburn and Jim Jackson had tantalizing potential. Luka Dončić is already rewriting franchise records and may eventually claim a starting spot in the near future if his trajectory continues. But when we evaluate everything—impact, longevity, contribution to winning, and defining moments—none of them surpass the five we’ve chosen here.
The Mavericks, as a franchise, have enjoyed moments of brilliance and stretches of struggle, but their identity has always been forged by players who embrace toughness, loyalty, and innovation. This lineup exemplifies that philosophy. Kidd brought the cerebral edge, Blackman the relentless scorer’s touch, Aguirre the dynamic forward play, Chandler the warrior mentality, and Dirk—the heartbeat—brought it all together with elegance and fire.
Building an all-time team is often a difficult process filled with tough calls and passionate disagreements. But in the case of the Dallas Mavericks, the pieces align in a way that feels inevitable. Each player earns their spot not through hype, but through unforgettable contributions that shaped the franchise’s history.
So while the debate may continue among fans at barstools, on Reddit threads, or in post-game arguments, the truth remains that this is the undisputed five. They are the pillars upon which Mavericks greatness stands. And until someone else comes along and reshapes the DNA of the team in the way these legends did, their spots are secure.
No debate necessary.
