The 10 worst front office moves by the Dallas Mavericks since 2000

By Cal Durrett | Aug 21, 2023

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 19: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban looks on during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 19, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 107-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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Dennis Rodman of the Dallas Mavericks (Photo by PAUL BUCK / AFP) (Photo credit should read PAUL BUCK/AFP via Getty Images) /

Mavericks Worst Move #10: Signing Dennis Rodman

Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman was nearing the end of a fantastic career when Cuban and the Mavericks took a chance and signed him. At the time, Rodman wasn’t the same player who helped the Chicago Bulls complete their second-three peat, and he had already flamed out with the Lakers when Dallas came calling. At 38 years old, Rodman was a high-risk, high-reward gamble that blew up in Cuban’s face.

Rodman lasted only 14 games with Dallas and clearly had no interest in playing for the team despite agreeing to return to the NBA after being unsigned for more than a year. In his defense, he did average more than 14 rebounds a game, proving that he could still dominate on the offensive and defensive glass.

On the other hand, he had six technical fouls in 14 games, which is hard to do and a sign that he didn’t want to be there. Rodman was ultimately cut by the Mavs, so no harm, no foul. But bringing in a player like Rodman that late in his career seemed like a gamble that they didn’t need to take.