Dallas Mavericks Basketball Card Guide - NBA Finals Edition
Based on factors such as the declining skills of starting players, injuries, team cohesion, coaching and management, NBA teams tend to regularly experience up and down years. Having won at least 50 games in each of the last 11 seasons, the Dallas Mavericks have proven to be the exception. Despite their consistency, they have still not been able to achieve the ultimate prize – an NBA Championship. The Mavericks lineup contains a wide variety of players at all levels of skill and hobby interest. This is in stark contrast to the Heat, who boast three stars and not much else.
If you haven't already, be sure to check out our Miami Heat Basketball Card Guide to find out what the ramifications of the Finals will have on the other side of the court.
Dallas Mavericks Starters:
Jason Kidd - PG
The ageless wonder, Kidd seems to have used the wisdom accumulated in his 17 NBA seasons to compensate for his diminished physical abilities. His stats are down, but Kidd is a strong veteran presence on the team and has plenty of playoff experience. Only Nowitzki carries more clout on the team amongst collectors. However, Kidd is nearing the top of several all-time records lists. He is a strong collecting option and can greatly boost his Hall-of-Fame credibility with an NBA Championship.
Top Jason Kidd Rookie Cards
DeShawn Stevenson - SG
Technically a starter, Stevenson is one of the weakest links in the Mavericks’ rotation. He's averaging 3.5 points per game in the playoffs this season and contributes little else. A small point of interest regarding Stevenson would be whether there will still be animosity between him and LeBron James. Stevenson made headlines in 2008 (while a backup on the Washington Wizards) when he declared that James was “overrated." When asked to respond, James said that would be like Jay-Z responding to a one-hit wonder like Soulja Boy. Later, in James’ defense, Jay-Z even released a track that dissed Stevenson. Drama aside, Stevenson is not a very viable collecting option.
Top DeShawn Stevenson Rookie Cards
Shawn Marion - SF
Marion has done well in place of Caron Butler who went down with a season-ending injury at the beginning of January. Tasked with guarding James, Marion could help build his hobby recognition back to the levels he experienced as an All-Star in Phoenix. Marion has a tough road ahead of him in the finals with James. His future on the team is a question as well, as it is doubtful that he will permanently supplant Butler. Marion is too expensive to keep on as a reserve. It's likely that his career has hit its last resurgence and so has his collectibility.
Top Shawn Marion Rookie Cards
- 1999-2000 SPx Shawn Marion (/2500) (autograph)
- 1999-2000 Finest Shawn Marion
- 1999-2000 Topps Chrome Shawn Marion
Dirk Nowitzki - PF
Dirk Nowitzki is the one true superstar of the Dallas Mavericks and he has been playing at an even higher level than normal this post season. He has been averaging 28.4 points per game with 51.7% field goal shooting and 92.9% free throw shooting. The ten-time All-Star is vital to the Mavericks' success. Nowitzki is still chasing that elusive title, the only thing missing from his stellar career. Although he still has gas in the tank, he knows that he will not have many more opportunities to win a championship. If he can seize this moment, his cards and memorabilia will go from the star-level they're at to the superstar-levels achieved by the likes of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Nowitzki also has a strong international following based on his German nationality, which further distinguishes him from other top players.
Top Dirk Nowitzki Rookie Cards:
- 1998-99 SP Authentic Dirk Nowitzki (/3500)
- 1998-99 Finest Dirk Nowitzki
- 1998-99 SPx Finite Dirk Nowitzki
Tyson Chandler - C
Tyson Chandler is a valuable member of the Mavericks and he may have finally found a place that he can thrive. He is a huge part of the team's defensive strength and his size at center gives the Mavericks an advantage over many teams. If the Heat continue to use Joel Anthony as their center, Chandler should be able to exploit the mismatch and become a vital part of a potential Mavericks upset. During previous stints in Chicago, New Orleans and Charlotte, Chandler and his abilities were not given the appreciation they deserved but he has found that in Dallas. If he can continue to improve his offense while still anchoring the defense, Chandler can emerge as another star on the Mavericks. The main problem he will face is the injury bug that has plagued him throughout his career. If he can stay healthy, Chandler has a tremendous amount of upside.
Top Tyson Chandler Rookie Cards:
Dallas Wildcards:
Jason Terry - SG
Jason Terry is not the starter on paper but he gets the bulk of the minutes each game at shooting guard and is a strong scoring option off the bench. His outside shooting has been vital to Dallas' offense. In a playoff game against the Lakers on May 8th, Terry hit nine of ten three-pointers, tying an NBA playoff record. Terry continues to provide consistent scoring and should have a few good years left in him. He is another member of the Arizona Wildcats’ family. Combined with his contributions on a strong Mavericks team, Terry is a decent collecting option.
Top Jason Terry Rookie Cards:
- 1999-2000 Topps Chrome Jason Terry
- 1999-2000 Finest Jason Terry
- 1999-2000 SPx Jason Terry (/2500) (autograph)
Jose Juan Barea - PG
At 26, J.J. Barea is the youngest part of the Maverick’s core rotation. Although he is small, Barea brings a spark to the team and plays with great determination. He had problems getting a foothold in the league early on as an undrafted free agent but has established himself as a great addition to the Mavericks. Barea is the biggest wildcard of the series in terms of his career possibilities. He is building up a respectable following based on his underdog appeal and gritty play. He could emerge as a solid collecting option if he can make a mark in this series. Barea only has one rookie card.
The Dallas Mavericks have a tough challenge ahead of them and although the experts are picking against them, many fans are rooting for them. Their situation will differ from the Heat because there will be relatively no media pressure for them to win. The Mavericks will have to supply the pressure themselves to win. Nowitzki and company seem up to the task. If the Mavericks can disrupt the offensive rhythm of Miami's big three, hit their shots and get Barea and Chandler going strong, they have a good chance to take the series. A series victory will greatly increase the interest in Nowitzki and will give most of the other players on the team a nice hobby bump.
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