Dallas Mavericks

• Founded: 1980
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• History: Dallas Mavericks (1980-today)
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• Team Colors: Blue, Silver, Black
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• Arena: American Airlines Arena, Dallas, Texas
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• Championships: 1
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• Head Coach: Rick Carlisle
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• Arrivals: Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke, Courtney Lee, Devin Harris
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• Departures: Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, Nerlens Noel, Yogi Ferrell, Seth Curry, Doug McDermott
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• Rookies: Luca Dončić, Jalen Brunson, Ray Spalding, Kostas Antetokounmpo
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• Key Players: Luca Dončić, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dirk Nowitzki, Kristaps Porzingis
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• Franchise GOAT: Dirk Nowitzki

Roster

Fluid Transition

Dirk Nowitzki's basketball powers are dwindling. That's neither a secret nor a surprise. The 40-year-old, along with Vince Carter and Jason Terry, is actually the last active player drafted in the 90s and is probably facing his final NBA season.

Where melancholy, perhaps even grief, should be spreading, the Mavericks exude confidence and enthusiasm. Rookie sensation and boy wonder Luka Dončić is surpassing even the loftiest expectations. The playoffs are in the crosshairs and Dončić, already one of the best young players in the league, will set the pace.

Nowitzki, who is still good enough for a few threes and one-legged-fadeaways, will gladly accept the new division of forces under Dončić. "He is already better than I was at 19," says Dirk. Great praise from a great player who knows when it's time to make way for the future. Respect.

The Boy Wonder

Finding a suitable successor to Dirk Nowitzki is almost impossible. To do it before Nowitzki hangs up his sneakers and have a fluid transition with no downtime is a miracle. Luka Dončić seems to be this miracle.

Dončić in his rookie season is already the best player on the team. The reigning EuroLeague Champion, MVP and EL Final Four MVP embodies everything modern basketball stands for. His versatility allows him to play any position from 1 to 3, both offensive and defensive. He is fast, his basketball IQ is off the charts and he excels as a playmaker and experienced team leader.

You may ask how can a 19-year-old already be that "experienced"? The answer is simple: Before he was drafted last summer, Dončić played for four years at Real Madrid in the second-best basketball league in the world. Three times he became Spanish champion with the Madrilenes. On top of that, he led the Slovenian national team to the European title last year impressing some hard nosed NBA veterans in the process. Luka Dončić is not your average rookie who is still green behind the ears.

NOWITZKI

DONCIC

FINNEY-SMITH

MATTHEWS

BRUNSON

KLEBER

In a completely surprising move at the end of January the Mavericks got one of the best young stars in the NBA. Kristaps Porzingis who fans just call the "unicorn" because of his unique skillset was swapped for Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan and Wesley Matthews. In the same trade Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke and Courtney Lee left New York for Texas.

It is difficult to predict how this season will end for the Mavs because they have lost an important player in DeAndre Jordan who anchored their defense. Of course Porzingis is the better player who in contrast to Jordan can take a game over offensively, but it's unlikely Kristaps will take the court this season at all.

But even without Porzingis the Mavs are one of the most entertaining teams in the league just because they have Dončić. But the rookie needs help if Dallas wants to not only make the playoffs but make some noise doing it. Hardaway Jr. is a solid starter but not a star. Harrison Barnes was traded mid-game to the Kings in February. And Dirk is – sorry to say – basically already retired.

The Products

Here we put everything together a real Mavericks fan needs. From official jersey and shorts, to fan t-shirts and socks. Get yours!