Dallas Basketball Team Added To The Nba In 1980
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They were added to the NBA in 1980 as an expansion team, along with the Charlotte Hornets. The Mavericks have had their ups and downs over the years, but they have become one of the most successful franchises in the NBA.
The Early Years
When the Mavericks were first added to the NBA, they struggled to find success on the court. They had a losing record in each of their first four seasons, and it wasn't until the 1983-1984 season that they made their first playoff appearance. Despite the lack of success, the Mavericks were able to build a strong fan base in Dallas.
The Mavericks' early years were marked by some notable players. Rolando Blackman, who played for the Mavericks from 1981 to 1992, was the team's all-time leading scorer until Dirk Nowitzki surpassed him in 2009. Mark Aguirre, who played for the Mavericks from 1981 to 1989, was also a standout player in the early years of the franchise.
The Dirk Nowitzki Era
Dirk Nowitzki was drafted by the Mavericks in 1998, and he would go on to become the face of the franchise for the next two decades. Nowitzki, a 7-foot power forward from Germany, was an immediate contributor for the Mavericks. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1999, and he helped lead the Mavericks to the playoffs in his second season.
Nowitzki continued to be a dominant force for the Mavericks over the years. He was named an All-Star 14 times and he led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2006 and 2011. In 2011, Nowitzki was named the NBA Finals MVP as the Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat to win their first NBA championship.
Recent Years
The Mavericks have continued to be a competitive team in recent years, even after Nowitzki retired in 2019. Luka Doncic, a young guard from Slovenia, has emerged as one of the top players in the NBA. Doncic was named Rookie of the Year in 2019, and he has already been named an All-Star twice.
The Mavericks have also made some significant signings in recent years. Kristaps Porzingis, a 7-foot-3 center from Latvia, was acquired in a trade with the New York Knicks in 2019. Porzingis has battled injuries, but he has shown flashes of the potential that made him an All-Star in 2018.
Conclusion
The Dallas Mavericks have come a long way since they were added to the NBA in 1980. They have had some great players over the years, and they have become a consistent playoff contender. With Doncic leading the way, the Mavericks look to be a team on the rise in the NBA.