[Saba Sports News] Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, faced the challenge of selecting the franchise’s all-time starting five on the “All The Smoke” podcast. His picks were notable: Dirk Nowitzki, Tyson Chandler, Rolando Blackman, Derek Harper, and Mark Aguirre.
Nowitzki, the most celebrated Maverick, was an obvious choice. He spent his entire 21-season NBA career with Dallas, boasting an average of 20.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He led the Mavericks to two NBA Finals, winning the championship in 2011, with Tyson Chandler, who, despite playing only two seasons with Dallas, made a significant impact.
The other three players were key figures in the Mavericks’ successful 1980s core. Mark Aguirre, a major star for seven and a half seasons, averaged 24.6 points per game. Rolando Blackman and Derek Harper, both with long tenures at Dallas, contributed significantly, with Blackman averaging 19.2 points and Harper 14.4 points per game.
However, Cuban’s exclusion of Luka Doncic, despite his remarkable six-season averages of 27.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game, was a surprising decision. Doncic, a four-time All-NBA First Team member, has already made a profound impact on the franchise.
Cuban also shared insights into acquiring Doncic on draft night 2018, highlighting his reliance on both scouts and analytics. He revealed how a last-minute call to the Atlanta Hawks’ owner facilitated the trade for Doncic, a move now regarded as one of Cuban’s best decisions as team owner. This strategic move showcased Cuban’s willingness to leverage analytics and scouting insights in critical team decisions.