Ranking the top 10 Dallas Mavericks players of all time
8. Derek Harper (1983-1994, 1996-97)
Harper is one of a few guys on this list who are big reasons for the success the Mavericks saw in the ‘80s after he was drafted by Dallas 11th overall in 1983. Although he played somewhat sparingly in the first three seasons of his career, Harper proved to be a strong scorer and passer as he became a full-time starter in 1986-87, averaging 16 points and 7.9 assists. Harper helped lead the Mavs to the Western Conference Finals the following season where they fell just one game short of playing for an NBA championship. Harper’s best scoring season in a Mavs uniform came as he averaged 19.7 points in 1990-91, part of a string of six consecutive seasons in which he averaged 17 points or better. After joining the Knicks, the 6-foot-4 guard returned to Dallas for one final season in 1996-97. In his Mavericks career, he averaged 14.4 points, 5.9 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals. He is fourth on the Mavs’ all-time scoring list with 12,597 points, and is in the top 10 in all-time free throw and 3-point makes. Harper also remains the Mavs’ all-time leader in assists (5,111) and steals (1,551).
Derek Harper #12 @dallasmavs Jersey Retirement (Halftime @nyknicks @dallasmavs 7:00 pm/et NBA League Pass) If you never saw Derek Harper play, these highlights will give you a good idea of his impact as delivers twice in the clutch in Game 4 of the '88 WCF vs. the @Lakers. pic.twitter.com/1cheBtouC4
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) January 7, 2018
