Dirk Nowitzki and the Best Big Men in Dallas Mavericks History

Since the beginning of the franchise's existence, the Dallas Mavericks have seen some mighty fine big men come through the door.

Depending on who you ask, the list of the best big men in Mavs' history would probably conjure up some interesting answers...even if one player in particular is on the top of everyone's list. (I'm talking about the big German.)

Here is the work of countless research hours to muster up a list of the best "big men" in Dallas Mavericks history. 

And feel free to leave your opinions in the comments section if you please. 

Dirk Nowitzki

The Mavericks all-time leading scorer makes it in no way surprising he is on the list of the best big men in Mavs History. 

No seven-footer played the game quite like Nowitzki did before he arrived in the NBA. He has since blazed a path for fellow post-up, top of the key shooters. Nowitzki's game has been key to his longevity, as he only uses as much physicality as is needed. 

Nowitzki clearly provided a wake up call to a stagnant franchise, as the years before him are considered "the dark age" in Dallas basketball. 

Not only is he the leading scorer in franchise history, he has also led the Mavs to 10 straight 50-win seasons and counting. He is arguably the most important player to his team in the NBA. 

Sam Perkins

Perkins was the fourth overall pick by the Mavericks in the 1984 draft, and impressed the fans and coaches the minute he stepped on the floor. He was on the NBA All-Rookie first team while averaging 14.4 points and 8 rebounds a game during his six years in Dallas. 

Perkins, James Donaldson and Roy Tarpley were a formidable front court combo that were able to compete with the big boys of the Lakers and Celtics of the '80s.

This was the golden age of Mavs big men, as there really wasn't much forward or center production once they were gone, until Dirk Nowitzki showed up in 1998.

James Donaldson

Donaldson was a force down low for the Mavericks through out the 1980s and the glue that kept the squad together. He bounced around a few teams before arriving in Dallas in 1985, when he became the Mavs' starting center for the rest of the decade.

At 7'2", Donaldson was one of the more consistent centers in the league during his hay day. He didn't take a lot of shots, but finished his career with a 57 percent field goal percentage. He also earned an All-Star selection in 1988. 

If only the Mavericks had a consistent figure at the center position nowadays like they did with Donaldson. 

Roy Tarpley

Certainly the most controversial player on this list, Tarpley was a fantastic big man with tons of potential, only to see his career become derailed with off-the-court issues. When he was able to stay healthy, which wasn't a very common occurrence, Tarpley was one of the more exciting young talents in the NBA.

He battled drug addiction and was eventually kicked out of the NBA, leaving many to wonder what could have been in store for Tarpley. He only averaged under 47 games a year during his six year NBA career with the Mavericks.

The season he was able to stay healthy the longest, 1987-1988, was the year Tarpley won Sixth Man of the Year. His NBA career ended with the Mavs in 1995 after more substance abuse issues. He averaged 12.6 points and 10 rebounds per game during his short-lived career.

Detlef Schrempf

Even way before Dirk, the Mavericks were the home of another prominent German baller. He was a three-time NBA All Star, drafted eighth overall in the 1985 by Dallas, and had a few successful seasons with the Mavs before being shipped off to the Indiana Pacers.

Schrempf wasn't necessarily known for being a post player, but at 6'10" he had an effective European-style game that translated well to the NBA. 

The two best German-born basketball players have most definitely left their mark on Dallas.