Dallas Mavericks
Franchise Fast Facts
The team first tipped off in Dallas as a franchise team in 1980
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- With the Mavericks introduction to the NBA, pro
basketball was once again playing in the Big D. Prior to
the Mavs 1980 start, the city had hosted the ABA's
Dallas Chaparrals which moved to San Antonio in 1973
to become the Spurs.
- The Mavericks nickname derived from the TV western
themed program called Maverick that aired from 1957-
1962. Chosen by fans who submitted 4600 postcard
entries, Mavericks beat out other choices such as
Wranglers and Express.
- The team has always been in the NBA's Western
Conference. However the Mavs left the Midwest
Division in 2004 and joined the newly formed
Southwest Division.
- Dick Motta was the team's first head coach after having
led the Washington Bullets to an NBA Championship in
1978.
- Home arenas for the franchise have included Reunion
Arena (1980-2001and the American Airlines Center
where they began playing in 2001.
- Franchise retired numbers include: #15 G Brad Davis,
#22 G Rolando Blackman,
- Dirk Nowitzki is the only franchise player to earn the
NBA Player of the Year award. Nowitzki won the honor
in 2007.
- While the franchise still seeks its first NBA
Championship, the Mavs were crowned NBA Western
Conference champs in 2006. Dallas defeated
Memphis, San Antonio and Phoenix on the way to the
Finals. However, Miami won the NBA Finals by a 4-2
margin.
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