The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

Dallas Mavericks: A look at the most talented Mavs team in the last 20 years

By Austin Speck

DALLAS - APRIL 22: Antawn Jamison #33 and Antoine Walker #8 of the Dallas Mavericks pose for a portrait on April 22, 2004 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS - APRIL 22: Antawn Jamison #33 and Antoine Walker #8 of the Dallas Mavericks pose for a portrait on April 22, 2004 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DALLAS – OCTOBER 3: Josh Howard #5 and Marquis Daniels #6 of the Dallas Mavericks pose for shots during the Meet The Media Session on October 3, 2005 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo By Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS – OCTOBER 3: Josh Howard #5 and Marquis Daniels #6 of the Dallas Mavericks pose for shots during the Meet The Media Session on October 3, 2005 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo By Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

J-Ho and ‘Quis

The Mavericks struck gold with a late first round pick in Wake Forest’s Josh Howard in the deep 2003 draft class. The rookie started 29 games for the season after working his way into the regular rotation. Howard went on to become a key member in the 2006 championship appearance against the Heat.

The lanky and athletic forward averaged 8.6 points per game and surprised many fans with his play. After a strong rookie season, Howard made the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Howard disappeared in the playoffs and only shot 22 percent from the field in the loss to Sacramento.

The other stud rookie was undrafted free agent Marquis Daniels from the University of Auburn. Daniels played back and forth between shooting guard and small forward and averaged around the same points per game as Josh Howard. After an accomplished rookie season, the undrafted rookie made the NBA All-Rookie Second Team along with his fellow teammate.

Unlike Josh Howard, the shooting guard showed up in the playoffs and came from out of nowhere, averaging nearly 16 points per game and two steals in his series showing. It says a lot about a rookie when they come out of college undrafted and are starting in the playoffs in their rookie season.

The big three in Dallas had a future one-time all-star and a solid role player for the next few seasons to pair with prized possession, Dirk Nowitzki. The future was bright, despite the team not working out for the season.

Next: Nellie Ball