Memorable Mavericks Moments of 2014-15: #1

The Dallas Mavericks had an up-and-down season, starting the year off on a fervid pace offensively, making a semi-blockbuster trade to acquire Rajon Rondo, struggling to incorporate him, and eventually falling in the first round of the NBA Playoffs to the Houston Rockets in five games.

Overall it’s fair to say the season was a disappointment. Dallas made moves to compete but it just didn’t happen.

But there was still a lot to like. We at The Smoking Cuban are counting down the 10 most memorable Maverick moments. Here’s #1 on the list.

Most Memorable Mavericks Moment of 2014-15

Dirk Nowitzki Grabs 10,000th Rebound, Forms Class of his Own

37 players in NBA history have come down with 10,000 rebounds. 84 have blocked at least 1,000 shots. 76 have drained at least 1,000 three-pointers, and 19 have scored at least 25,000 points.

But when Nowitzki corralled Manu Ginobli’s missed shot on March 24th he became the only player in NBA history to have done all of the above. Not Magic Johnson, not Larry Bird, not Scottie Pippen, or any other of the versatile all-time greats. Dirk Nowitzki.

Here’s the clip:

Even early on in his career it was clear that Nowitzki was a unique player. The way he redefined the power forward position will be remembered for a long, long time. And just like he’ll likely remain the league’s highest scoring foreigner for a considerable period, Nowitzki isn’t likely to have any company in his exclusive club for some time.

LeBron James is the obvious choice for most likely to join him.

He’ll eclipse 25,000 points within the first few games of next season, and already has 1,256 made three-pointers. But he still needs 276 blocks to reach 1,000 and has only blocked 242 in his last five seasons. And his 26 and 49 in the last two seasons are the two lowest totals of his career.

But the real problem for him will be on the glass. He’s got 6,502 in his 12 seasons, still well short of 10,000.

The point is, Nowitzki’s milestone cements his status as one of the most unique and versatile players in NBA history. And for that reason it comes is as the #1 most memorable Mavericks moment of 2014-15.

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