11 Dallas Mavericks that never played a single minute

9. Rudy Fernandez

Fernandez is a legendary international player, but known more for his work in the EuroLeague and with the Spanish National Team. He became a pro at 17 years old and is a three-time All-EuroLeague selection and three-time EuroLeague champion. The 6’5 wing helped Spain win two Olympic silver medals and one bronze along with two World Cup titles and four EuroBasket championships.

Fernandez came to the NBA in 2008 after being drafted 24th overall in 2007. He spent his first three years in Portland as a role player where Fernandez averaged 9.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steal in 24.1 minutes per game. The 6’5 wing was traded to the defending champion Mavericks before the 2011 lockout for the 26th overall pick.

When the lockout ended, Dallas traded Fernandez and Corey Brewer for a 2016 second-round draft choice. The 6’5 wing played for Real Madrid during the work stoppage and would be limited by a back injury during the NBA campaign. Still, the Spanish legend never played a game for the Dallas Mavericks, despite costing them a first-round pick to acquire.

Rudy Fernandez left the NBA in 2012 to return to Real Madrid where he remained a star. He talked about why he left, and it is clear that he preferred being a top player in Europe, but the Mavs never found out what he could do in Dallas.