The Dallas Mavericks have made some franchise-defining draft picks that shaped the team’s success and left a lasting impact on the NBA. While some selections have turned into all-time greats, others provided key contributions that helped build a competitive roster. Smart draft decisions have played a crucial role in the team’s rise, leading to playoff appearances, deep postseason runs, and even an NBA championship.
The Dirk Nowitzki Legacy
When the Dallas Mavericks orchestrated a draft-day trade to acquire Dirk Nowitzki in 1998, few could’ve predicted the pioneering influence he’d have on the franchise. His selection at ninth overall proved to be a masterly maneuver that transformed the Mavericks’ program development for the next two decades.
His 21-year loyalty to Dallas yielded exceptional results: 14 All-Star appearances, an MVP award, and the crowning achievement of leading the Mavericks to their first NBA championship in 2011. As the franchise’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, and games played, Nowitzki didn’t just meet expectations – he surpassed them, becoming the greatest draft pick in Mavericks history.
You can’t overstate the global impact Nowitzki had on basketball, revolutionizing the power forward position with his deadly one-legged fadeaway and versatile scoring ability. The Mavericks’ success under his leadership was exemplified by their 704 consecutive sellouts from 2001 to 2017, demonstrating his immense impact on the franchise’s popularity.
Luka Doncic
While Dirk Nowitzki set the gold standard for European stars in Dallas, Luka Doncic has taken the torch and blazed an entirely new trail. Since his arrival via a draft-day trade with Atlanta, you’ve witnessed a transcendent talent who’s completely reshaped the Mavericks’ trajectory.
Doncic’s exceptional achievements in just his first few seasons include:
- NBA Rookie of the Year honors
- Two All-NBA First Team selections
- Leading Dallas back to playoff contention
- Establishing himself as an MVP candidate before age 23
His unique combination of scoring, playmaking, and court vision has already put him on track to build a championship pedigree in Dallas. You’re watching the evolution of a generational superstar who’s not just living up to the hype – he’s exceeding it, setting new standards for what’s possible in the modern NBA. Much like Dallas Cowboys legend Jason Witten, who became the youngest player to reach 10,000 career receiving yards, Doncic is setting remarkable milestones at a young age.
Impact Players of the 1980s
Throughout the 1980s, the Mavericks built their foundation on two exceptional draft picks who altered the franchise from expansion team to playoff contender. As franchise cornerstones, Mark Aguirre and Rolando Blackman reshaped Dallas basketball after being selected in the 1981 draft.
You can’t discuss the Mavericks’ early success without highlighting this versatile scoring pair. Blackman, chosen ninth overall, became a four-time All-Star while averaging 20.1 points across 11 seasons. Aguirre, the first overall pick, immediately made his presence felt by averaging over 18 points in his first two years.
Together, they powered Dallas to five straight playoff appearances from 1984 to 1988. Though both players eventually moved on – Aguirre to Detroit in 1989 and Blackman to New York in 1992 – their impact on establishing the Mavericks’ winning culture remains undeniable. Similar to how the Dallas Stars would later find success with Art Ross Trophy winner Jamie Benn leading their offense.
Jason Kidd
The Dallas Mavericks’ draft success continued into the 1990s with their selection of Jason Kidd as the second overall pick in 1994. Kidd’s progression from young phenom to veteran leader showcases one of the franchise’s most impactful draft decisions, even though his initial stint was brief.
His dual stints and championship impact reflect an exceptional career arc that came full circle in Dallas. While his early departure might’ve seemed premature, Kidd’s eventual return as a veteran leader helped deliver the ultimate prize to the franchise that drafted him. Much like Hugo Sanchez’s signing marked a historic first for Dallas soccer in 1995, Kidd’s selection represented a transformative moment for Dallas basketball.
Hidden Gems and Second-Round Steals
Smart draft decisions extend beyond lottery picks, as evidenced by Dallas’s knack for finding talent deep in the draft. You’ll find Jalen Brunson’s emergence as a second-round pick particularly impressive, as he proved essential to the Mavericks’ 2022 playoff run.
Josh Howard stands out as another late-first-round gem who developed into an All-Star and key contributor during the team’s 67-win season.
The Mavericks’ eye for underrated role players has yielded exceptional results, with Eduardo Najera becoming one of the team’s most reliable bench warriors. While some picks like Detlef Schrempf found their greatest success elsewhere, they still showcase Dallas’s ability to identify talent. These undrafted contributors and late-round selections demonstrate that championship-caliber teams aren’t built solely through lottery picks.
The European Connection
When examining the Mavericks’ greatest draft successes, their knack for identifying European talent stands above all else. Their international scouting knowledge has altered the franchise, beginning with Detlef Schrempf in 1985 and reaching new heights with Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic.
The Mavericks’ commitment to european talent acquisition has yielded exceptional results:
- Dirk Nowitzki (9th pick, 1998) led the team to its first NBA championship
- Luka Doncic (3rd pick via trade, 2018) has emerged as a generational talent
- Their scouting network consistently identifies top European prospects
- The franchise’s willingness to take calculated risks on international players sets them apart
This approach hasn’t only shaped the team’s identity but also established the Mavericks as pioneers in successfully integrating European stars into the NBA.
Draft Picks That Shaped Championship Runs
Several vital draft selections laid the foundation for the Mavericks’ championship aspirations, none more significant than Dirk Nowitzki’s arrival in 1998. The German superstar altered the franchise, ultimately leading Dallas to its first NBA title in 2011.
Franchise-altering duo decisions played a crucial role in the team’s success. The selection of Rolando Blackman created explosive chemistry with Mark Aguirre in the 1980s, while pivotal point guard pairings emerged when the Mavericks brought Jason Kidd back to Dallas. Kidd’s veteran leadership proved instrumental in the 2011 championship run alongside Nowitzki.
More recently, you’ve seen how smart draft choices continue to impact the team’s success, with Jalen Brunson emerging as a key contributor during the 2022 playoff campaign, despite being a second-round selection.
Most Valuable Trades Involving Draft Selections
Throughout the Mavericks’ history, draft-day trades have dramatically altered the franchise’s course, with none more significant than the 1998 swap that brought Dirk Nowitzki to Dallas. The team’s draft day robberies have consistently shown their front office’s ability to identify and acquire influential talent.
You’ll find some of the most shrewd acquisitions in Mavericks’ history came through draft-night deals:
- Trading up to land Dirk Nowitzki (6th pick) for Tractor Traylor (9th pick)
- Securing Luka Doncic in 2019 via the Hawks’ 3rd overall pick
- Converting Dennis Smith Jr. into Kristaps Porzingis through savvy asset management
- Moving up in 2013 to select Kelly Olynyk before flipping him to Boston
These strategic moves demonstrate how the Mavericks have excelled at the art of leveraging draft positions to build competitive rosters.
Final Thoughts
The Dallas Mavericks’ success over the years has been fueled by smart draft choices that brought in players capable of transforming the team. Icons like Dirk Nowitzki set records and secured championships, while newer stars like Luka Dončić continue to elevate the franchise.
Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA, Dirk Nowitzki 2, CC BY-SA 2.0
