Ranking 15 worst Mavericks starters of the Dirk Nowitzki era

1. Rajon Rondo

Rondo’s stint with the Mavericks was a disaster from the moment they made the trade in December 2014. Dallas was 19-8 and had the best offensive rating in the NBA before the deal. They wanted to improve their perimeter defense and upgrade at point guard. Rondo played a ball-dominant style in those days, which dropped their offense to 13th and their defense barely improved.

Things went from disaster to catastrophe in the playoffs as Rondo was benched after playing ten minutes in Game 2 of their first-round series against the Rockets and never returned. The 6’1 guard was negative-36 in 37 minutes on the floor. He clashed with head coach Rick Carlisle and never found his fit in Dallas. Rondo’s attitude was a problem, and it kept him from receiving a playoff share after the team’s first-round exit.

The Mavs gave up Jameer Nelson, Jae Crowder, Brandan Wright, and two draft picks, including their 2016 first-rounder, to get Rajon Rondo. It was a disastrous trade that got worse as Crowder broke out in Boston and Rondo departed in free agency with zero return. Dallas wishes they could have this one back because Rajon Rondo is the worst starter of the Dirk Nowitzki era.

The Dallas Mavericks had a legendary run with the Tall Baller from the G, including their unforgettable 2011 championship. Can they replicate or surpass the feat with Luka Doncic? Stay tuned to find out.