30 Greatest Dallas Mavericks players in franchise history

29. Detlef Schrempf

Schrempf was one of two original German Mavericks as he and Uwe Blab were both drafted in the first round in 1985. Dallas had made the playoffs two straight years, but some wise trades gave them three first-round picks as they entered their sixth season as a franchise. They were looking to continue their ascent with a young and talented roster.

Schrempf was one of Dirk’s idols, who went on to be a three-time All-Star and two-time Sixth Man of the Year. He is more known for being a Pacer and SuperSonic, but his NBA career started in Dallas.

He spent his first three and a half seasons with the Mavericks where he averaged 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 19.4 minutes per game. Schrempf helped Dallas reach the playoffs three times, including making it to the conference finals in 1988. He was part of the rotation even in the playoffs, including averaging 18.3 a night during their deepest postseason run until Dirk Nowitzki came to Texas.

Detlef Schrempf was traded to the Pacers in 1989 where his career took off. Credit to the Dallas Mavericks for assisting his development, and bonus points to the 6'10 forward for helping pave the way for Dirk to come from Germany to the NBA.