5 Basketball Players who Played for Mavericks and Timberwolves
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 Minnesota Timberwolves.
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 Timberwolves.
J.J. Barea
J.J. Barea is a basketball player known for his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Undrafted in 2006, Barea earned his spot on the Mavericks and developed into an instrumental part of their rotation.
At 6 feet tall, Barea often played as a point guard and was celebrated for his speed, quickness, and ability to drive to the basket against bigger opponents. Despite his size, he proved to be a tenacious player and an excellent playmaker, especially in pick-and-roll situations.
Barea played a pivotal role in the Mavericks’ 2011 playoff run. His performance in the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat was particularly notable, as his ability to penetrate Miami’s defense proved crucial in Dallas securing its first NBA Championship.
Barea Key Stats
- NBA Champion (Mavericks)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Timberwolves, Mavericks)
Sam Cassell
Sam Cassell enjoyed a successful 15-season career in the NBA, known for his clutch shooting and leadership. Drafted 24th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 1993 NBA Draft, Cassell proved instrumental in the Rockets’ back-to-back NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995.
His tenure in the NBA saw him wearing jerseys for eight different teams, including standout stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Despite being traded multiple times, Cassell consistently produced on the court, averaging 15.7 points and 6.0 assists per game over his career. He was named an All-Star once, in 2003-04, while with the Timberwolves.
Cassell Key Stats
- All-Star (Timberwolves)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Nets, Bucks, Clippers)
Christian Laettner
Christian Laettner led the Blue Devils to two NCAA Championships in 1991 and 1992, and he is still widely remembered for “The Shot”, his game-winning turnaround jumper in the 1992 East Regional final against Kentucky. This moment is one of the most iconic in college basketball history.
Laettner was also the only college player selected for the original “Dream Team” at the 1992 Summer Olympics, which won the gold medal.
In the NBA, Laettner played 13 seasons in the league with several teams, including the Timberwolves, Hawks, Pistons, Mavericks, and Wizards. His most successful NBA season came in 1996-1997 with the Hawks when he averaged 18.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, earning him his sole NBA All-Star selection.
Antoine Walker
Antoine Walker was selected with the 6th pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Celtics. Walker spent seven seasons with the team, during which he made three All-Star appearances.
He was a versatile and dynamic power forward, averaging over 20 points per game in five of his seasons with the Celtics. His ability to stretch the floor was ahead of its time in an era when most power forwards primarily played inside.
Walker was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2003 and subsequently played for the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves. One of Walker’s career highlights was winning an NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in 2006.
Walker Key Stats
- All-Star (Celtics)
- NBA Championship (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Celtics)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Celtics)
Mike James
Mike James began his NBA career undrafted, but he managed to break into the league in 2001 with the Miami Heat. From there, he embarked on a journey that saw him play for numerous teams, including the Celtics, Pistons, Bucks, Rockets, Raptors, Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Wizards, and Bulls.
Perhaps the highlight of his NBA tenure came during the 2005-2006 season with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged a career-high in points and showcased his ability to lead a team as a primary guard. His NBA journey was marked by his adaptability, allowing him to fit into various roles, from starting point guard to a bench contributor.
In addition to his NBA career, James had spells in international basketball, playing in France, Turkey, and Italy, which further underscored his dedication and adaptability to different styles of play and cultures.
James Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Raptors)
