6 Basketball Players who Played for Mavericks and Thunder
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Mavericks and the Thunder.
Dale Ellis
Dale Ellis was selected 9th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1983 NBA Draft after a standout college career at the University of Tennessee. Over his 17-season NBA career, he played for six different teams: the Mavericks, SuperSonics, Spurs, Bucks, Nuggets, and Hornets.
The 6’7″ shooting guard/small forward really found his stride when he was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics in 1986. In the 1986-87 season, he won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award after averaging 24.9 points per game, up from his previous season’s average of 7.1 points.
He was named an All-Star in 1989 and finished his career with over 19,000 points, having shot 40.3 percent from three-point range.
Ellis Key Stats
- All-NBA (Supersonics)
- All-Star (Supersonics)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Supersonics)
Avery Johnson
Avery Johnson was known as a tenacious point guard during his NBA career, spanning from 1988 to 2004, earning a reputation for his leadership and toughness on the court.
His most significant accomplishment as a player came during his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs. In the 1999 NBA Finals, Johnson’s clutch performance was highlighted by hitting the game-winning shot in Game 5, securing the Spurs their first championship.
Despite being undrafted, his perseverance, grit, and clutch play allowed him to carve out an impressive 16-year career in the NBA.
Johnson Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Spurs, Warriors)
Doug McDermott
Doug McDermott was a player known for his shooting accuracy. He was selected 11th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, but was quickly traded to the Chicago Bulls.
His draft selection came after an impressive college career at Creighton University, where he was a three-time consensus first-team All-American and won the National Player of the Year award in his senior season.
Throughout his NBA career, McDermott has played for the Bulls, Thunder, Knicks, Pacers, Spurs, and currently, the Memphis Grizzlies. His best scoring season came in 2020-2021, where he averaged a career-high 13.6 points per game with the Pacers.
Nerlens Noel
Nerlens Noel was selected as the 6th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2013 NBA Draft and was later traded to the Philadelphia 76ers on draft night.
Noel has been primarily known for his defensive abilities, particularly as a shot-blocker.
He led the NBA in block percentage during his rookie season and has consistently ranked among the league leaders in blocks. He has also been an effective rebounder and has contributed on the offensive end as well, but it’s his defensive presence that has been his calling card in the NBA.
Derek Fisher
Derek Fisher was selected 24th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1996 NBA Draft. As the Lakers’ point guard, he played a crucial role during the team’s championship runs, especially in the early 2000s when they secured three consecutive titles from 2000 to 2002.
Fisher added two more championships to his resume with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010. One of his most iconic moments came in the 2004 playoffs, where he hit a game-winning shot with just 0.4 seconds left on the clock against the San Antonio Spurs, a play often referred to as the “0.4 shot.”
Beyond the Lakers, Fisher played for several other teams, including the Warriors, Jazz, Thunder, and Mavericks. Over his 18-year playing career, he was revered not just for his basketball skills but also for his leadership, serving as the president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) from 2006 to 2013.
Fisher Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Lakers)
Caron Butler
Playing college basketball at the University of Connecticut, Caron Butler quickly gained recognition as a top talent, leading the Huskies deep into the NCAA Tournament. Butler was selected 10th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2002 NBA Draft.
Throughout his career, he played for several teams, including the Lakers, Wizards, Mavericks, and Clippers, among others. During his time with the Wizards, he formed a formidable trio alongside Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, with Butler earning two NBA All-Star selections in 2007 and 2008.
Butler’s resilience was evident throughout his career, having overcome significant challenges and adversity in his early life. Beyond his playing days, he has been a positive figure in the community, leveraging his platform to address social issues and mentor younger players.
Butler Key Stats
- All-Star (Wizards)
- NBA Champ (Mavericks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Wizards)
