Mavericks: DeShawn Stevenson talks 2011 championship, Dirk, and more

Dallas Mavericks: DeShawn Stevenson talks 2011 championship, Dirk, and more

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off one of the biggest NBA Finals upsets in 2011 when they knocked off LeBron James and Miami Heat. DeShawn Stevenson played a key role during the Mavs title season. The 6’5 wing brought the team needed defense and toughness.

The current Mavericks could use a DeShawn Stevenson type. They will be searching for defense and toughness this offseason. It will be interesting to see if they can find it and make a deep playoff run in 2021.

Stevenson discussed his NBA career and time in Dallas on the Mavs Archives podcast. Let us take a closer look at the episode.

Former Dallas Mavericks wing DeShawn Stevenson discusses the 2011 title and more

Stevenson was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2000. Fans remember the playoff showdown between Karl Malone and Dirk Nowitzki in 2001. Here is what Stevenson had to say about that series.

"“That is when I was like, ‘DANG, Dirk is really good’. That is when Dirk stepped up because I don’t think (the Mavericks) were supposed to beat us.”"

He went on to talk about Nowitzki giving Malone fits in the series. That was one of Dirk’s coming out moments in the NBA and his first playoff experience.

The conversation quickly shifted to Stevenson’s time with the Mavericks. He noted feeling “disrespected” because he was viewed as a throw-in in the trade that sent him from the Wizards to Dallas.

They talked about how was the perfect fit for the Mavs and went into the story of Jason Terry getting the championship trophy tattoo before winning it all.

Stevenson told this story about the t-shirt he was wearing after the Mavericks secured the title.

"“The whole time we played the Miami Heat, there was somebody that was trying to act like me and was stirring stuff on the internet. I had multiple conversations with Carlisle where it was like leave LeBron alone. I was like I don’t even have social media, so he looked into it and found out I didn’t have social media.Fast forward to that, we win the championship and I am walking in the hotel… I get off on my floor and the guy had the shirt, so I was like, ‘Yo, let me get the shirt”. He was like I will give the shirt if you give me your jersey, so I swapped it.”"

Stevenson left the Mavericks after the 2011 championship season. He signed with the Nets following the lockout.

Stevenson also discusses his childhood idol, his experience getting to the NBA, his time in the BIG3, and so much more. Fans should listen to the entire interview with the 2011 championship guard. It was awesome to hear what the former Maverick is doing these days. Hopefully, fans get to see him dominating the BIG3 again soon.