Sitting here in 2026, reflecting on the whirlwind that was the 2025 season for my beloved Dallas Mavericks feels like trying to catch smoke with my bare hands. The seismic Anthony Davis-for-Luka Doncic trade orchestrated by Nico Harrison sent shockwaves through the entire NBA landscape, a move as unexpected as a solar eclipse at noon. Then, the basketball gods smiled upon us with the number one pick in the draft, bringing Cooper Flagg to Dallas to become the new face of the franchise. This modern-day chaos stands in stark contrast to the steady, if sometimes championship-elusive, ship I tried to run. Even though my tenure as owner didn't yield that coveted second title around Luka, my love for this team burns as bright as a supernova. Recently, on the 'All The Smoke' podcast with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, I was asked to name my all-time Mavericks starting five—a task that required some truly bold choices, including the notable omission of the now-Los Angeles Lakers superstar, Luka Doncic.

🏀 Point Guard: Derek Harper

For my floor general, I went with a cornerstone of the 1980s Mavs, Derek Harper. His journey with the franchise had two distinct chapters, with his initial run from 1983 to 1994 cementing his legacy. Harper is, without a doubt, one of the greatest players in NBA history to never make an All-Star team—a fact as puzzling as a locked door with no keyhole. His peak personal accolades were two All-Defensive Second Team selections in 1987 and 1990. Drafted 11th overall in 1983, he formed a rugged and reliable backcourt with Rolando Blackman. While a consistent scorer, his magnum opus was the 1990/91 season where he averaged 19.7 points per game. His defensive prowess was matched by an offensive consistency so rare it was like finding a perfectly preserved fossil; he improved his season scoring average for eight consecutive years, a feat shared only with JJ Redick and DeAndre Jordan in NBA annals. His jersey hangs in the rafters for a reason.

🎯 Shooting Guard: Rolando Blackman

Beside Harper, I selected his longtime partner-in-crime, Rolando Blackman. Chosen 9th overall in the legendary 1981 draft, Blackman spent the majority of his illustrious career in Dallas. A four-time All-Star, including a three-peat from 1985 to 1987, his No. 22 jersey rightly hangs retired. His 1983/84 season was a masterpiece: 22.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, both career highs. That campaign was the catalyst for the franchise's first-ever playoff appearance, a foundational moment that paved the way for future success. He was the steady heartbeat of those early competitive Mavs teams.

⚔️ Small Forward: Mark Aguirre

Completing my 1980s trio is the dynamic scorer, Mark Aguirre. With that same 1981 draft pick, we selected Aguirre first overall, a decision that brought a scoring savant to Dallas. A 6'6" force who could play both forward spots, Aguirre was a three-time All-Star with the Mavs and an absolute bucket-getter. In the 1983/84 season, he was a human highlight reel, averaging a phenomenal 29.5 points per game on over 52% shooting from the field—efficiency that was almost surgical in its precision. While he won his championships later in Detroit, his prime scoring years in Dallas were nothing short of spectacular, and his college greatness was immortalized in the Hall of Fame in 2016.

👑 Power Forward: Dirk Nowitzki

This choice requires no explanation, but deserves every accolade. Dirk Nowitzki isn't just the greatest Maverick of all time; he's one of the greatest to ever play the game. His 21-year career in Dallas, from 1998 to 2019, was a masterclass in loyalty, evolution, and sheer dominance. A 14-time All-Star and the 2007 MVP, his legacy was forever sealed in 2011. That playoff run was a fairy tale:

• First Round: Defeated the Portland Trail Blazers.

• Conference Semifinals: Swept the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.

• Western Conference Finals: Toppled the young Oklahoma City Thunder led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

• NBA Finals: Crowned Finals MVP after leading us to an unforgettable victory over the Miami Heat's 'Big Three' of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.

Dirk is the foundation upon which the modern Mavericks' identity is built.

🛡️ Center: Tyson Chandler

To anchor the defense and complete this dream lineup, I chose the defensive pillar of our 2011 championship team, Tyson Chandler. While his career took him to several cities, his peak in Dallas was perfectly timed. As our starting center, he formed a symbiotic and formidable frontcourt with Dirk. Their partnership was the ultimate yin and yang:

Chandler's impact was immeasurable. He was the defensive quarterback, a 2011 All-Defensive Second Team selection whose rebounding and rim protection were the steel backbone of our title run. He provided the grit and toughness that allowed Dirk's brilliance to fully shine on the biggest stage.

Looking back from 2026, assembling this team was a journey through the soul of the franchise. It honors the gritty pioneers of the '80s who built the culture, and the legendary figures who delivered the ultimate prize. While the future in Dallas now belongs to Cooper Flagg and the new era, the legacies of these five players are the immutable stars in the Mavericks' galaxy, forever guiding the way. Leaving off a talent like Luka was incredibly difficult, but this selection is a tribute to specific eras of grit, growth, and glory that define our team's rich history.