Quick Read
- Mark Aguirre’s No. 24 jersey was retired by the Dallas Mavericks on January 29, 2026.
- The ceremony took place during halftime of the Mavericks vs. Charlotte Hornets game at the American Airlines Center.
- Aguirre, the Mavericks’ first No. 1 overall pick, averaged 25 points per game over nearly eight seasons.
- Childhood friend and former teammate Isiah Thomas spoke at the emotional event.
- Aguirre’s banner joins those of Brad Davis, Rolando Blackman, Derek Harper, and Dirk Nowitzki.
DALLAS (Azat TV) – The Dallas Mavericks officially retired Mark Aguirre’s No. 24 jersey on Thursday, January 29, 2026, during an emotional halftime ceremony at the American Airlines Center. The long-awaited tribute honored the franchise’s first No. 1 overall draft pick, cementing his permanent place among the team’s most revered legends after nearly eight seasons of standout performance.
The ceremony, held during the Mavericks’ home game against the Charlotte Hornets, saw Aguirre take center stage, surrounded by his family, former teammates, and cherished friends. Among those present were fellow Mavericks legends Rolando Blackman and Derek Harper, who looked on as Aguirre’s banner was hoisted to the rafters, joining those of Brad Davis, Blackman, Harper, and Dirk Nowitzki.
An Emotional Evening for Mark Aguirre
The atmosphere was charged with emotion as Aguirre, visibly moved, addressed the crowd. He reflected on his intense approach to the game, stating, “There are no easy escapes in this game. What you put in is what you get out. And I put it all in. All in. 100%. If I’m playing against you, I wanna destroy you. And you gotta have that kind of mindset going into it.” His raw honesty resonated with fans and former colleagues alike, underscoring the fierce dedication that defined his career.
A particularly poignant moment occurred when Aguirre’s childhood friend and former Detroit Pistons teammate, Isiah Thomas, spoke. Thomas, who shared a deep personal and professional history with Aguirre, emphasized the improbability of their journey from humble beginnings on Chicago’s West Side to becoming the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the 1981 NBA Draft. “Never even dreamed that we would have a life like we’ve led,” Thomas told WFAA, adding, “To have a night like this is just, it’s unthinkable. It really is unthinkable.” Thomas’s words visibly affected Aguirre, who was moved to tears during a pre-ceremony press conference when asked about their lifelong friendship, leading Thomas to walk to the stage to comfort him as the banner was revealed.
Mark Aguirre’s Impact on the Dallas Mavericks
Aguirre was the cornerstone of the fledgling Mavericks franchise after being drafted first overall in 1981. Over nearly eight seasons with Dallas, he averaged an impressive 25 points per game, a scoring mark surpassed only by Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving in franchise history. His tenure included three NBA All-Star selections, solidifying his status as a prolific scorer and a foundational player who helped establish the Mavericks as a competitive force in the league.
Despite his undeniable impact on the court, tensions reportedly mounted during the latter part of his time with the Mavericks. This culminated in his trade to the Detroit Pistons in February 1989 for Adrian Dantley. This move, while initially difficult, proved to be a pivotal moment for Aguirre’s NBA legacy, as he reunited with Isiah Thomas in Detroit and subsequently won back-to-back NBA Championships in 1989 and 1990. Thomas acknowledged Aguirre’s talent, remarking, “That’s how good he was. So, thank you, Dallas. Thank you, Mavericks.”
A Long-Awaited Recognition
For many longtime Mavericks fans, Aguirre’s jersey retirement was considered “long overdue,” as reported by WFAA. His absence from the rafters, despite his statistical achievements and foundational role, had been a topic of discussion for years. The ceremony not only recognized his contributions during his time with the Mavericks but also acknowledged the broader context of his successful NBA career, including his championship triumphs with the Pistons.
The event was attended by Mavericks co-founder Norm Sonju and current Governor Patrick Dumont, signaling the organization’s commitment to honoring its past. Posters of Aguirre’s No. 24 were distributed on seats throughout the American Airlines Center, ensuring every fan could partake in the historic moment.
The retirement of Mark Aguirre’s No. 24 jersey by the Dallas Mavericks marks a significant reconciliation with a pivotal figure in the franchise’s formative years, underscoring the organization’s evolving narrative to fully embrace its historical legends, even those whose departures were once contentious.