5 Players You Forgot Were Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki. Steve Nash. Michael Finley. Even Derek Harper and Rolando Blackman.

When you think of players who have donned the Mavericks jersey these names tend to roll off the tongue rather quickly, but what about the players you forgot played for the Mavericks? The following are common names around the NBA family that you forgot had Mavericks across their chest at one point in their career…

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SAM CASSELL

The now assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers, Cassell was actually a Maverick for a brief amount of time. When I think of Cassell’s career I immediately jump to the Rockets back-to-back titles in the mid-nineties, but it was right after that he was traded to the Suns in a trade that landed Charles Barkley in Houston.

Cassell turned around a few months later and found himself being shipped to Dallas with Michael Finely and A.C. Green in exchange for Jason Kidd, Tony Dumas, and Loren Meyer.

His glorious Mavericks career lasted just 16 games before he was shipped with Jim Jackson and others to the Nets for Shawn Bradley. Cassell seemed to always be involved in trades that had bigger names than himself. I don’t know what to make of that, but he can enjoy watching DeAndre miss a thousand free throws this year.

TIM HARDAWAY

The greatest crossover in NBA history (and yes we are talking about Daddy Tim and not Melo’s buddy).

The 5-time all-star played the majority of his career in Golden State and Miami while eventually finding his way to the Mavericks later on in his career. Hardaway was traded to the Mavericks in exchange for a second round draft pick in 2001, just three years after he was an all-star.

Like Cassell, Hardaway’s tenure didn’t last long with the Mavericks as he just played 54 games with the squad. Dallas turned around a few months later and dealt him in a bigger deal that included Hardaway, Donnell Harvey, Juwan Howard, and a 1st round pick to the Nuggets for Tariq Abdul-Wahad, Avery Johnson, Raef LaFrentz, and Nick Van Exel.

Hopefully this time around the Mavericks can have better luck with a former all-star point guard.

Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Kevin Ollie waves to fans after cutting down the net following the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

KEVIN OLLIE

Did you know that the head coach of the 2014 national champion UCONN Huskies was a former Dallas Maverick? Better question, do you even care? Because I really don’t, but I thought it was cool since he gaining ground as one of the best coaches in college basketball.

Seriously though, he signed two contracts (1997 & 1999) with the Mavericks and never lasted more than 3 months. Next…

CHRISTIAN LAETTNER

Coming from the state of Kentucky where the whole state hates this man to this day, he is kind of a sore subject (even though I dislike Cal’s kitties greatly). After a more than successful college career and a surprising addition to THE Dream Team, Laettner never really found that high of success in the NBA.

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After being the 3rd overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft by Minnesota, Laettner found himself on the move four years later. A few teams later he found himself on his way to the Mavericks in a deal centered around Cedric Ceballos in 2001. Just like the other players, he found himself out of Dallas months later in a deal centered around Calvin Booth and Juwan Howard.

I really believe the “smh” short-text was created after everyone seen his name on The Dream Team roster.

DENNIS RODMAN

My favorite on this list by far.

Of course when most people think of Kim Jung-un’s best friend they think of his tenure with the Bulls in the 90’s, with a little Pistons sprinkled in. But after the rainbow hair and run of championships, he found his last team in the NBA to be the Dallas Mavericks.

“Rodman in Dallas had 34 total points, 41 personal fouls, and 171 rebounds”

In February of 2000, the Dallas Mavericks signed Rodman as a free agent only to waive him just over a month later. The LEGEND only suited up for 16 games with the Mavericks but the pics of him with a young Dirk are priceless. My favorite Mavericks stat of his? Rodman in Dallas had 34 total points, 41 personal fouls, and 171 rebounds.

As you read this list, you can tell these players are forgotten for a reason due to their non-impressive tenure with the Mavericks, but it is still fun to reminisce about Mavericks history sometimes……sometimes.

Think another player should have been on this list? Let us know!

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