30 Greatest Dallas Mavericks players in franchise history

4. Mark Aguirre

The Mavs used the number one overall pick in the 1981 draft on Aguirre. The franchise won just 15 games in their first season, which meant they received the top pick as the draft lottery did not begin until 1985. Dallas also had the ninth and 24th picks in what turned into a franchise-altering night. The Mavericks walked away with Rolando Blackman, Jay Vincent, and Aguirre to build their team around.

They were the team’s top three scorers as rookies, and by his second season, Aguirre turned into one of the league’s best. He led the Maverick to the second round of the playoffs in his third season, and the 6’6 forward averaged over 25 points per game in 1988 as Dallas reached the conference finals. Fans may not remember, but the Mavs pushed the eventual champion Lakers to seven games that year in the West finals. It was the team’s first genuine chance to win it all.

Aguirre was a three-time All-Star with the Dallas Mavericks, and he averaged 24.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 0.9 steals in 33.8 minutes per game during his seven-and-a-half seasons with the franchise.

There was a messy exit as he was traded to the Pistons in 1989, and Aguirre immediately helped them win two championships. The 6’6 forward deserves to have his number retired by the Mavs because he was certainly one of the best players to ever wear their uniform. He is second in points per game and third in scoring in team history. There is zero denying that Mark Aguirre was a walking bucket in Dallas.