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Dallas Mavericks: 25 Best Players To Play For The Mavericks

By Phil Watson

Apr 21, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the arena before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the arena before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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DALLAS – NOVEMBER 16: Shawn Bradley #44 of the Dallas Mavericks slams the ball against the Phoenix Suns on November 16, 2004 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS – NOVEMBER 16: Shawn Bradley #44 of the Dallas Mavericks slams the ball against the Phoenix Suns on November 16, 2004 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

C. 1997-05. Shawn Bradley. 18. player. 79. <strong>How acquired: </strong>Trade, New Jersey Nets, Feb. 17, 1997.

It can be argued that Shawn Bradley was one of the biggest disappointments in NBA history, but it can’t be argued that for nearly a decade, he gave the Dallas Mavericks quality protection at the rim.

Bradley was acquired by the Mavericks in February 1997 along with Ed O’Bannon, Robert Pack and Khalid Reeves from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Jim Jackson, Sam Cassell, George McCloud, Chris Gatling and Eric Montross.

DAL_18_BRADLEY
DAL_18_BRADLEY /

Bradley led the NBA in blocks in that 1996-97 season and finished in the top five four other times while with the Mavs—second in 1998-99, third in 1997-98 and 2000-01 and fifth in 1999-2000.

In parts of nine seasons in Dallas, Bradley averaged 7.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 21.0 minutes per game, shooting .471/.125/.762.

Bradley played a single season at BYU, averaging 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.2 blocks before embarking on his two-year mission for the Church of Latter Day Saints. Instead of returning to the Cougars, he opted to go pro upon his return.

He was taken with the second overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1993 NBA Draft.

Bradley was traded to the Nets in November 1995.

He opted to retire in October 2005 after being bothered by nagging injuries for several seasons.

Bradley is 14th in NBA history with 2,119 blocked shots and 9th with an average of 2.5 blocks per game. In 2010, he lost a run for a seat in Congress representing Utah’s 44th District.

Next: A Solid Backcourt Reserve

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