10 Most heartbreaking moments in Dallas Mavericks history

5. Selecting Sam Perkins over Charles Barkley at 1984 Draft

Entering the 1984 NBA Draft, the Mavs were just coming off their first playoff appearance, losing to the Lakers in the second round. Even with the series loss, there was still optimism for the team as it seemed like they were heading in the right direction.

The Mavs held the fourth overall pick in the draft. Unfortunately for the Mavs, two Hall of Famers were selected beforehand. Hakeem Olajuwon was taken first overall by the Rockets, and Michael Jordan was taken third overall by the Bulls.

With guards Brad Davis and Rolando Blackmon, and small forward Mark Aguirre on the team, the team probably felt like their need for a power forward was pressing. The Mavs selected Sam Perkins fourth overall, who was Jordan's teammate at North Carolina. Perkins made the All-Rookie Team in 1985, but never averaged more than 16 points per game in his six seasons in Dallas.

Who was taken with the next pick in the draft by the 76ers? Charles Barkley. How did Sir Charles' NBA career turn out?

Barkley was an 11-time All-Star and All-NBA team member, won the 1993 MVP, averaged over 10 rebounds per game in 15 of his 16 NBA seasons, is part of the NBA 75th anniversary team, and is a Hall of Famer.

The Mavs fumbled their selection at the 1984 Draft where they could've taken a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest power forwards to play the game, and this is heartbreaking as a fan to think about considering how good they would have been with Barkley on the roster.