Established
1980
City
Dallas
League History
1980 - Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
1980 – Present / Dallas Mavericks
Nickname
Mavericks - The Dallas Mavericks are one of the most iconic teams in the NBA, and their unique nickname has become synonymous with success. But where did it come from? The answer lies in a combination of history and creativity.
Don Carter founded the team in 1980 to give his new franchise an identity that would stand out among other professional sports teams. He first considered “Panthers” a possible name due to its connection to Texas' state animal (the Mexican free-tailed bat). However, he eventually decided on “Mavericks” after seeing a movie poster for the 1969 John Wayne film The Undefeated, which featured the phrase "Courageous Maverick."
Carter felt that this phrase embodied what he wanted his team's identity to be: courageous risk-takers who didn't back down from any challenge or obstacle they faced. In addition, mavericks have historically been associated with individualism and independent thinking – two qualities Carter hoped would define his players both on and off the court.
Today, fans across America recognize these traits when they cheer for their beloved Mavericks each season, whether at home games or watching them compete against rival teams like San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder! So next time you see your favorite Mavs player take charge during a game, remember how far this nickname has come since its humble beginnings over 40 years ago!
Championship
NBA Championships 1
2011
Arena
2001 - Present / American Airlines Center
1980 - 2001 / Reunion Arena
Owner
2000 - Present / Mark Cuban
1996 - 2000 / H. Ross Perot, Jr.
1980 - 1995 / Don Carter
- 1980
- 1996
- 2000
- 2001
- 2011
-
Dallas Expansion Team
In 1978, Californian businessman Garn Eckardt met Dallas lawyer Doug Adkins and mentioned he was trying to raise capital to move an NBA team to the city. Asking for a possible partner, Adkins recommended him one of his clients, Home Interiors and Gifts owner Don Carter. Negotiations with Eckardt fell through, but Carter remained interested in the enterprise as a ... -
Ross Perot Jr. New Owner
Perot purchased the Dallas Mavericks NBA basketball team from original owner Don Carter in March 1996. Under his four-year tenure, the Mavericks made no more progress on the court as they had in Carter’s final seasons, and nowhere near what they would do under his successor, Mark Cuban; it was said that he was a basketball novice, or disinterested in ... -
Mark Cuban Comes to Town
On January 4, 2000, Cuban purchased a majority stake in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks for $285 million from H. Ross Perot, Jr. In the 20 years before Cuban bought the team, the Mavericks won only 40% of their games and a playoff record of 21–32. In the 10 years following, the team won 69 percent of their regular-season games and ... -
American Airlines Center Opens
The American Airlines Center (AAC) is a multi-purpose arena, located in the Victory Park neighborhood, near downtown Dallas, Texas. It opened in 2001 at a cost of $420 million. By 1998, the Dallas Mavericks, then owned by H. Ross Perot, Jr., and the Dallas Stars were indicating their desire for a new facility to replace the dated Reunion Arena. Dallas ... -
NBA Finals Winner 2011
NBA Finals The Mavs entered the 2010 – 2011 NBA Finals as underdogs, due to Miami’s “Big Three” coming together during the course of the 2010 – 2011 NBA Playoffs. Mavericks captured their first-ever NBA title with a 105 – 95 victory, completely reversing what had happened in the 2006 NBA Finals. Nowitzki scored 21, including 18 in the second ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks, home to some of the NBA's greatest players, are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. The Mavericks have been part of the National Basketball Association (NBA) since their inaugural season in 1980-81. Since then, they have become one of the most successful teams in NBA history. Led by NBA Greatest Players such as Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd, the Mavs won their first championship title during the 2010-11 season after defeating the Miami Heat 4–2 in an exciting seven-game series.
Throughout its history, Dallas has had some great players who helped shape and define its success on the court, including Michael Finley, Steve Nash, and Mark Aguirre, to name a few; however, it was probably Dirk Nowitzki who is most remembered for his contributions to this franchise’s success over two decades with averages of 21 points per game along with 8 rebounds per contest throughout his career at Dallas. His leadership on the court and off made him an invaluable asset for any team he played for, eventually leading him to become one of only six players ever to be named MVP while playing with the same franchise throughout his entire career.
In addition, under head coach Rick Carlisle, Mavericks reached playoffs 11 times out of 12 seasons between 2001 -2012, making them consistent contenders every year despite not having many stars like other franchises do. Together, these accomplishments make up what we now know today as “Dallas Mavericks”—a proud organization that will forever remain among the elite group within the NBA due to all successes achieved through the years, regardless if they win another title.
Sports Fan Products
Dallas Mavericks Team History: Unraveling the Legacy!
This video explores the history of one of basketball's most beloved teams. Join us as we trace the highs and lows, the triumphs and setbacks, that have shaped the Mavericks into the powerhouse they are today. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, prepare to be enthralled by the incredible stories and pivotal moments that define the Dallas Mavericks' legacy.
The Top 4 Greatest DALLAS Mavericks Players That Changed Everything
The Dallas Mavericks Mount Rushmore pays homage to the most legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the team's history. Headlining this exclusive group are Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks' all-time leading scorer and NBA champion, and Luka Dončić, the...
Luka Doncic's Journey to NBA Stardom: Rookie to MVP Candidate!
An exhilarating video that charts the meteoric rise of Luka Doncic, the wonder boy of the NBA. The video captures Doncic's journey from his professional debut as a teenager in Europe, his spectacular rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks, to his evolution into an MVP contender in the league. It showcases his exceptional talent, uncanny court vision, shooting skills, and ability to deliver in clutch moments, making him one of the most exciting players to watch. The video also highlights his impact off the court, including his contributions to his home country of Slovenia and his growing influence in global basketball. For fans of the Mavericks, followers of Doncic, or just basketball enthusiasts, this video provides an immersive and inspiring look into Luka Doncic's rapid ascent to NBA stardom.
Retired Number
12 / Derek Harper
15 / Brad Davis
22 / Rolando Blackman
*Blue is this team’s history