The 1998–99 NBA season was the Mavericks' 19th season in the NBA, in the offseason, the Mavericks traded their top draft pick Robert Traylor to the Milwaukee Bucks for which rookie, a German professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA), and considered to be one of the greatest power forwards of all time?
1998–99 Dallas Mavericks season The 1998–99 NBA season was the Mavericks' 19th season in the National Basketball Association. In the offseason, the Mavericks acquired point guard Steve Nash from the Phoenix Suns, traded their top draft pick Robert Traylor to the Milwaukee Bucks for rookie Dirk Nowitzki, signed free agent Gary Trent and released Khalid Reeves to free agency. In a season shortened by a four-month lockout, the young Mavericks still struggled losing eight of their first nine games, but began to show promise by posting their first winning record at home in ten years at 15–10. However, with Cedric Ceballos only playing just 13 games due to a wrist injury, they were still a mile away from the playoffs as they finished fifth in the Midwest Division with a 19–31 record. Michael Finley led the team averaging 20.2 points per game. Following the season, A.C. Green was traded back to the Los Angeles Lakers, and Samaki Walker signed as a free agent with the San Antonio Spurs.
1996–97 NBA season The 1996–97 NBA season was the 51st season of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The league used this season to mark its 50th anniversary, which included the unveiling of the league's list of its 50 greatest players. This particular season featured what has since been acknowledged as one of the most talented rookie-classes, featuring the debuts of Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Jermaine O'Neal, Ben Wallace and Stephon Marbury. The season ended with the Chicago Bulls defeating the Utah Jazz 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals to win the franchise's 5th championship.