22
Oct
5 min read
Dallas Mavericks NBA Profile: Five things you need to know
Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavs to their only title
- Luka Dončić-led team that has become a Western Conference contender
- Franchise known for innovative ownership under Mark Cuban
- 2011 NBA champions led by Dirk Nowitzki
The Dallas Mavericks are an NBA franchise founded in 1980 that has become one of the league's model organizations under owner Mark Cuban. Led by superstar Luka Dončić, the Mavericks are perennial playoff contenders in the Western Conference.
Key Details
Location: Dallas, Texas
Founded Year: 1980
Home Arena: American Airlines Center
Championships: 1 (2011)
Major Rivals: San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets
Australians who have played for the Dallas Mavericks
Josh Green: Born in Sydney, New South Wales, Green was selected by the Mavericks with the 18th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Over four seasons with Dallas, he developed into a versatile wing player, known for his athleticism and defensive prowess. In July 2024, Green was traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
Danté Exum: Hailing from Melbourne, Victoria, Exum signed with the Mavericks in July 2023, marking his return to the NBA after playing in Europe. He provided depth at the guard position, contributing with his defensive versatility and playmaking skills. Exum's tenure with Dallas lasted until June 2024.
Identity
Team Philosophy: High-powered offense built around Dončić's playmaking Playing Style: Up-tempo with an emphasis on three-point shooting Club Culture: Innovative, player-friendly organisation under Cuban's leadership
Legacy & Impact:
Greatest Eras: 2000s with Dirk Nowitzki, current Luka Dončić era
Famous Teams: 2011 NBA championship team
Key Figures: Dirk Nowitzki, Mark Cuban, Luka Dončić and Jason Kidd
Five Fast Facts
- Founded in 1980 as an expansion team
- Won first NBA championship in 2011 led by Dirk Nowitzki
- Purchased by Mark Cuban in 2000 for $285 million
- Drafted Luka Dončić in 2018, ushering in new era
- Made NBA Finals in 2006 and 2011
Club Timeline
1980: Mavericks founded as NBA expansion team
2000: Mark Cuban purchases team
2011: Win first NBA championship
2018: Draft Luka Dončić 2024: Return to NBA Finals, lose to Boston Celtics
Key Statistics
All-Time Record: 1,788-1,752 (.505 win percentage)
Championship History: 1 title (2011)
Hall of Fame Players: 9 (including Dirk Nowitzki)
Retired Numbers: 4 (12, 15, 22, 41)
Today
The Mavericks are coming off an impressive 2023-24 season that saw them return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. Led by the dynamic duo of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, Dallas captured the Western Conference title before falling to the Boston Celtics in the Finals.
With Dončić continuing to establish himself as one of the NBA's elite players, the Mavericks have positioned themselves as perennial contenders in the Western Conference. The offseason addition of Klay Thompson gives Dallas another potent scoring threat alongside Dončić and Irving.
Under head coach Jason Kidd, the Mavericks will look to build on last season's success and make another deep playoff run in 2024-25. With their talented core and the guidance of owner Mark Cuban, Dallas remains one of the NBA's model franchises both on and off the court.
