05-24-2026, 03:00 PM
(This post was last modified: 05-24-2026, 03:02 PM by dirkfansince1998.)
Who was the last player on a rookie contract that lead his team to a championship? Wade, Duncan? I guess Kawhi was finals MVP but he probably wasn't the best player on the team if we look at the entire season/playoff run.
Looking at the Wade-Heat or Duncan-Spurs they were in a much better situation than the current Mavs. Heat with a multi year tanking/rebuilding effort. More talent and assets. Spurs a perennial contender that lucked into Duncan because Robinson suffered a season ending injury. A little bit like the Pacers this year. Just with more lottery luck.
Looking at the Wade-Heat or Duncan-Spurs they were in a much better situation than the current Mavs. Heat with a multi year tanking/rebuilding effort. More talent and assets. Spurs a perennial contender that lucked into Duncan because Robinson suffered a season ending injury. A little bit like the Pacers this year. Just with more lottery luck.
![[-]](https://www.mavsboard.com/images/collapse.png)