Dallas Mavericks Starting Point Guards From 1981 To 2024

The history of the Dallas Mavericks is rich with talented point guards who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. From Brad Davis, who laid the foundation in the early ’80s, to modern-day phenom Luka Doncic, the Mavericks have seen a diverse array of point guards who have shaped the team’s identity over the decades. 

This article explores the evolution of Dallas Mavericks point guards from 1981 to 2024, highlighting their stats, achievements, and the impact they made on one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.

1981-1986: Brad Davis

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 8.6 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 5.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: N/A

Brad Davis, the Dallas Mavericks point guard from 1981 to 1986, was a foundational player for the young franchise. Despite modest career stats with the Mavericks, Davis was known for his steady presence and leadership on the court. As one of the original members of the team, he helped establish the Mavericks’ identity and contributed significantly to their early development.

Davis’ role extended beyond his on-court performance; he became a fan favorite and a respected veteran, known for his consistency and basketball IQ. Although he did not achieve significant individual accolades, his impact on the team was evident, laying the groundwork for future successes.

1987-1993: Derek Harper

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 14.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: 2x All-Defensive Team Selection

Derek Harper, serving as the Dallas Mavericks’ point guard from 1987 to 1993, was a key figure in the franchise’s development during its formative years. Harper posted impressive career stats with the Mavericks, averaging 14.4 points and 5.9 assists per game. His tenure with the team was marked by his exceptional defensive prowess, earning him two All-Defensive Team selections.

Harper’s defensive skills, coupled with his ability to orchestrate the offense, made him one of the premier point guards in the league during his era. His leadership on both ends of the court helped elevate the Mavericks to playoff contention and solidified his place as one of the franchise’s all-time great floor generals.

1994: Fat Lever

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 8.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: N/A

Fat Lever’s brief tenure with the Dallas Mavericks in 1994 was marked by a veteran presence and a glimpse of his all-around game, though it was hampered by injuries. Lever, known for his versatility and ability to fill up the stat sheet, averaged 8.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game during his time with the Mavericks. Despite his limited time on the court, Lever’s experience and basketball IQ were valuable assets to a young Mavericks team.

His career in Dallas didn’t reach the heights of his earlier years with the Denver Nuggets, where he was a two-time All-Star, but his stint with the Mavericks added a veteran dimension to the squad during a transitional period for the franchise. 

1995-1996: Jason Kidd

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 10.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 8.4 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: 2010-11 NBA Champion, 3x All-Star, 1994-95 Rookie of the Year

Jason Kidd’s first stint with the Dallas Mavericks from 1995 to 1996 marked the beginning of a Hall of Fame career and brought excitement to the franchise. His impressive debut in 1995 earned him Co-Rookie of the Year honors alongside Grant Hill. Kidd’s playmaking ability, court vision, and defensive tenacity quickly established him as a rising star in the NBA.

His dynamic style of play and leadership on the court revitalized the Mavericks and set the stage for the team’s future success. Although his first tenure with Dallas was short-lived, Kidd’s impact was significant, making him one of the most memorable point guards in the franchise’s history.

1997: Derek Harper

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 14.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: 2x All-Defensive Team Selection

Derek Harper returned to the Dallas Mavericks in 1997, bringing veteran leadership and a familiar presence to the team. Although his second stint was brief, Harper continued to showcase his reliable skills. His experience and defensive acumen were invaluable to a rebuilding Mavericks squad and his return was well-received by fans and provided stability during a period of transition.

1998: Khalid Reeves

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 8.6 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: N/A

Khalid Reeves’ time with the Dallas Mavericks in 1998 was short and relatively uneventful, serving as a role player during a transitional period for the team. Reeves, known for his scoring ability during his college career at Arizona, struggled to find consistency in the NBA.

With the Mavericks, he averaged 8.6 points and 3.0 assists per game. While Reeves showed flashes of his potential, his tenure with the Mavericks was marked by inconsistency and limited impact. His time in Dallas was brief, making his stint with the Mavericks a minor footnote in the franchise’s history.

1999-2004: Steve Nash

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 14.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 7.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: 2x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection

Steve Nash’s tenure with the Dallas Mavericks from 1999 to 2004 was transformative for both the player and the franchise. Nash, known for his exceptional playmaking and shooting abilities, blossomed into an elite point guard during these years. Nash’s partnership with Dirk Nowitzki formed one of the most dynamic duos in the league, propelling the Mavericks to regular playoff appearances and solidifying their status as contenders.

Under Nash’s guidance, the Mavericks’ offense became one of the most potent in the NBA, characterized by fast-paced play and high scoring. His remarkable vision and ability to orchestrate the offense earned him two All-Star selections during his time in Dallas. 

Although the Mavericks did not win a championship during Nash’s tenure, his influence on the team’s playing style and success was profound. His departure to the Phoenix Suns in 2004 marked the end of an era, but Nash’s years with the Mavericks remain a critical chapter in his Hall of Fame career and in the franchise’s history.

2005-2006: Jason Terry

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 16.1 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: 2010-11 NBA Champion, 2008-09 Sixth Man of the Year

Jason Terry, primarily a shooting guard, took on a significant role as a point guard for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Known for his scoring ability and clutch performances, his transition to the point guard position highlighted his versatility and adaptability on the court.

In the absence of a traditional point guard, Terry’s playmaking skills and leadership became crucial for the Mavericks. He provided stability and scoring punch, complementing Dirk Nowitzki’s offensive prowess. 

Terry’s performance during these seasons helped the Mavericks maintain their competitive edge in the Western Conference, ultimately leading to a Finals appearance in 2006. His ability to play multiple roles and contribute in various facets of the game underscored his importance to the team during this period.

2007-2008: Devin Harris

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 8.3 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: N/A

Devin Harris played a pivotal role as the starting point guard for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Known for his speed and scoring ability, his quickness and defensive skills made him a dynamic presence on both ends of the court. Harris’s tenure with the Mavericks was marked by his development into a reliable starting point guard and a key contributor to the team’s success.

His ability to penetrate defenses and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates was instrumental in the Mavericks’ competitive campaigns in the Western Conference. Harris’s performance during these seasons solidified his reputation as one of the top point guards in the league at that time before he was eventually traded to the New Jersey Nets in the middle of the 2007-08 season in a deal that brought Jason Kidd back to Dallas.

2009-2012: Jason Kidd

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 10.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 8.4 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: 2010-11 NBA Champion, 3x All-Star, 1994-95 Rookie of the Year

Jason Kidd returned to the Dallas Mavericks for his second stint from 2009 to 2012, bringing veteran leadership, championship experience, and exceptional playmaking skills to the team. During these years, Kidd served as the starting point guard and played a crucial role in guiding the Mavericks to their first NBA Championship in 2011.

While his scoring output had decreased, his ability to distribute the ball, control the tempo of the game, and play tenacious defense was invaluable to the Mavericks’ success. In the 2011 playoffs, Kidd’s leadership and clutch performances were instrumental in the Mavericks’ championship run.

He provided stability and made critical plays throughout the postseason, including key three-pointers and defensive stops. Kidd’s basketball IQ and experience were evident in his ability to make the right plays at the right times, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest point guards in Mavericks history.

2013: Darren Collison

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 12.0 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: N/A

Darren Collison’s season with the Dallas Mavericks in 2013 was a solid one, as he took on the starting point guard role for the team. During this season, Collison averaged 12.0 points and 5.1 assists per game, to go along with 1.2 steals per game. His quickness and scoring ability made him a valuable offensive weapon for the Mavericks.

Collison’s tenure in Dallas showcased his ability to run the offense effectively and contribute both as a scorer and a distributor. While his time with the Mavericks was relatively short, he provided stability at the point guard position during a transition period for the team.

2014: Jose Calderon

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 11.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: N/A

Jose Calderon’s season with the Dallas Mavericks in 2014 was marked by his exceptional shooting and veteran leadership. Known for his accuracy from beyond the arc and his ability to distribute the ball, Calderon averaged 11.4 points and 4.7 assists per game while shooting an impressive 44.9% from three-point range.

Calderon’s ability to space the floor and make timely shots was a key asset for the Mavericks’ offense. His basketball IQ and experience also played a crucial role in orchestrating the team’s offense and setting up his teammates for scoring opportunities. While not known for his defense, Calderon’s offensive efficiency and steady play helped the Mavericks secure a playoff berth that season.

2015: Rajon Rondo

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 9.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: N/A

Rajon Rondo’s tenure with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2014-15 season was highly anticipated but ultimately unsuccessful. Known for his playmaking ability and defensive prowess, Rondo joined the Mavericks with high expectations, aiming to bolster their playoff prospects.

However, Rondo’s fit with the Mavericks proved to be challenging. While Rondo’s numbers were respectable, they did not reflect the impact expected from a player of Rondo’s caliber. Rondo’s tenure in Dallas was marred by clashes with head coach Rick Carlisle over offensive strategies and on-court chemistry issues. His stint was cut short due to a back injury.

2016-2017: Deron Williams

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 13.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 6.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: N/A

Deron Williams joined the Dallas Mavericks for the 2015-16 season and continued through the 2016-17 season, serving as the team’s starting point guard. Williams, a veteran with All-Star credentials, brought experience and playmaking skills to the Mavericks. His ability to control the tempo of the game and distribute the ball effectively were key assets for the Mavericks.

While injuries affected his availability and performance at times, Williams provided stability at the point guard position for the Mavericks. His leadership and experience were valuable for a team transitioning between eras, following the departure of veterans like Dirk Nowitzki.

2018: Dennis Smith Jr.

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 14.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: 2017-18 All-Rookie Team Selection

Dennis Smith Jr.’s rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks in 2017-18 showed promise, as he quickly established himself as the team’s starting point guard and a dynamic scoring threat. Known for his athleticism and ability to attack the rim, Smith Jr. averaged 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game during his rookie campaign.

Smith Jr.’s electrifying dunks and scoring ability made him an exciting player to watch, and he showed flashes of becoming a cornerstone player for the Mavericks’ future. His performance earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, highlighting his potential and impact as a young point guard in the league.

2019: Jalen Brunson

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 11.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.0 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: N/A

Jalen Brunson’s rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks in 2018-2019 marked his emergence as a reliable point guard and a key contributor off the bench but started 38 games at point guard with Luka Doncic occupying the shooting guard spot. Brunson, known for his basketball IQ and efficient play, had a strong rookie season posting 9.3 points and 3.2 assists per game.

Brunson’s ability to run the offense smoothly, make smart decisions, and knock down shots from the perimeter made him a valuable asset for the Mavericks. Brunson’s role expanded in subsequent seasons and has since become a superstar player for the New York Knicks.

2020-2024: Luka Doncic

Career Stats With The Mavericks: 28.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Career Achievements With The Mavericks: 5x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection, 2023-24 Scoring Champion, 2018-19 Rookie of the Year, 2018-19 All-Rookie Team Selection

Luka Doncic, despite fitting the criteria for being a small forward, has effectively played the role of point guard for the Dallas Mavericks since his second season. His arrival in the NBA brought immediate impact, as he displayed exceptional playmaking skills, court vision, and scoring ability.

Doncic’ss ability to control the game’s tempo, create scoring opportunities for his teammates, and hit clutch shots made him the focal point of the Mavericks’ offense. In the subsequent seasons, Luka continued to elevate his game, further establishing himself as one of the NBA’s premier talents.

With the Mavericks, the Slovenian has made five All-Star and five All-NBA Team selections while winning the scoring title in 2024 (33.9 PPG). Doncic also has two Western Conference Finals appearances to his name and has one of the greatest resumes in Mavericks history by the age of 26. 

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