Derek Harper accounts for six of the top 10 SPG seasons in Mavericks history.
The Dallas Mavericks have existed since the 1980-81 season and have had some great defenders suit up for them. That list includes two players who rank in the top 15 in NBA history when it comes to steals. Read on to see the best steals per game seasons in Dallas Mavericks history.
Derek Harper (1990) – 2.3 steals per game
“Harp” spent 12 seasons with the Mavericks and was a decorated defender throughout his tenure there and beyond. He was arguably at his best in 1990 when he played and started in all 82 games and swiped 2.3 steals per game. Harper’s efforts on that end landed him third in Defensive Player of the Year voting and on the All-Defensive Second Team. He finished fifth in the league in steals that season, which is a testament to how strong the field was that year.
Derek Harper (1987) – 2.2 steals per game
Harper took a leap forward with the Mavericks in 1987 as he moved into a starting role with 76 starts in 77 appearances after being a key reserve his first three seasons. That role increase paid dividends as he made the All-Defensive Second Team and earned some Defensive Player of the Year votes. Harper also took a step on offense that year, bumping his scoring from 12.2 to 16.0 points per game and his assists from 5.3 to 7.9.
Jason Kidd (1996) – 2.2 steals per game
Kidd hit the ground running in his first stint with the Mavericks, winning Rookie of the Year in 1995 and earning his first All-Star nod the following season. He elevated his game across the board that season, including in the steals department as he swiped 2.2 steals per game. That average ranked fourth in the league behind Gary Payton, Mookie Blaylock, and Michael Jordan. Kidd would be dealt to the Suns the following season but returned to the Mavericks in 2008 and was part of the 2011 championship team.
Derek Harper (1989) – 2.1 steals per game
Harper was a key two-way contributor for the Mavericks in 1989, averaging 17.3 points and 7.7 assists while also swiping 2.1 steals per game. He really flexed his muscle on the defensive end in March of that season against the Celtics when he logged six steals, which is two shy of his career high. He finished 13th in steals per game that season.
Derek Harper (1988) – 2.0 steals per game
Altogether, Harper accounts for six of the top 10 SPG seasons in Mavericks history. One of those came in 1988 when he logged 2.0 steals per game. He had seven seasons in a row with at least 1.8 steals per game, beginning in 1985. His sustained level of defensive excellence resulted in him ranking 15th all-time in steals in NBA history.