Offensive Game
Role scorer and secondary option throughout his career. Reliable in the mid-range and as a spot-up shooter from the perimeter. Never a primary scoring option but contributed efficiently when needed.
Career Journey
New Orleans Jazz
1977-1979
Brad Davis's career is a study in patience. Drafted 15th by the Lakers in 1977, he bounced among three teams and barely played before Dallas signed him early in the 1980-81 expansion season — and there he finally stuck, spending 12 years as the young franchise's steady floor general. Davis wasn't flashy; he was efficient and dependable, a pass-first guard who protected the ball and once posted a field-goal percentage that led NBA guards. As the last original Maverick on the roster, he came to embody the team's identity, and in 1992 his No. 15 became the first jersey Dallas ever retired. He later spent years as a Mavericks broadcaster, keeping his voice in the franchise he helped build.
Offensive Game
Role scorer and secondary option throughout his career. Reliable in the mid-range and as a spot-up shooter from the perimeter. Never a primary scoring option but contributed efficiently when needed.
Defensive Game
Competitive perimeter defender who used his intelligence and positioning to compensate for physical limitations. Understood how to guard his position within team defensive systems.
All articles
Brad Davis was there on day one — and stayed for twelve years. The story of why his #15 hangs in the rafters of American Airlines Center is the story of the Dallas Mavericks themselves.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
Subscribe for in-depth player analysis and stat breakdowns delivered to your inbox.
Indiana Pacers
1979-1980
Dallas Mavericks
1980-1992
First retired number in Mavericks history (No. 15, 1992)
His No. 15 became the first jersey Dallas ever retired, honoring his role as the last original member of the 1980-81 expansion roster.
Franchise floor-general
Set an early team record for assists per game and led NBA guards in field-goal percentage in 1982-83 with his low-turnover game.
15-year NBA career, mostly in Dallas
Drafted 15th overall in 1977, he played 15 seasons — 12 with the Mavericks — becoming the young franchise's leader in assists, games and minutes.
Intangibles
One of the smartest players in franchise history. His understanding of spacing, opponent tendencies, and team system was considered elite by coaches and teammates. The prototype of the cerebral point guard.
Personal Life & Family
Status
Married
Children (1)
Off the Court
Mavericks youth community programs during his Dallas years
Did You Know?
Davis is called 'The Original Maverick' because he was one of the very first players selected by Dallas in the 1980 NBA expansion draft — he played the franchise's very first game in NBA history.
Despite never making an All-Star team, Davis's 5,990 career assists with the Mavericks ranked among the franchise's all-time records for many years — a testament to his team-first approach.
Davis bounced through four organizations and even played in the minor leagues before finding his home in Dallas — his career trajectory is one of the greatest perseverance stories in franchise history.
He was the starting point guard who orchestrated the growth of the Mavericks from expansion doormat to Western Conference contender — a 12-year process that defined the franchise's foundation.
Career Honors
Jersey #15 Retired by Dallas Mavericks (2000)
Original Dallas Mavericks 1980 Expansion Draft
Franchise career assists leader at retirement
Official Jerseys
751.99
Check Price on NBA Store
215.99
Check Price on NBA Store
93.00
Check Price on NBA Store
99.99
Check Price on NBA Store
699.99
Check Price on NBA StoreDallas Mavericks · Official
152.00
Affiliate link · Disclosure
82.00
Affiliate link · Disclosure
63.99
Affiliate link · Disclosure
249.99
Affiliate link · Disclosure
Shop · Worldwide
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
© 2026 143 Basketball Haven
