Michael Finley

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Finley's arrival on December 26, 1996, marked a turning point for Dallas. Traded from the Phoenix Suns along with Sam Cassell, A.C. Green, and a second-round pick for Jason Kidd, Tony Dumas, and Loren Meyer, he immediately became the team's focal point. In his first season in Dallas, he led the Mavericks in scoring, assists, and steals. Along with Nash and Nowitzki, Finley defined the "run and gun" style of play that characterized the franchise's late '90s identity. On January 23, 2001, Finley etched his name into history by tying an NBA record with eight steals in a single half. That same year, he earned his second All-Star selection representing the Western Conference. As Dirk Nowitzki blossomed into a superstar, Finley adapted to a small forward role, embracing a supporting function while maintaining his reputation as a clutch player. His tenure ended in 2005 when Dallas waived him to avoid luxury taxes under the league's new labor agreement.

In Their Own Story

The transition from star to supporter defined Finley's later years in Dallas. As Dirk Nowitzki ascended, Finley willingly adjusted his game, focusing on outside shooting and defense rather than carrying the offensive load. This adaptability kept him valuable even as the team's hierarchy shifted. However, financial realities eventually intervened. In 2005, facing a new labor agreement and luxury tax concerns, the Mavericks made the difficult decision to waive Finley. Free agency followed immediately. Despite interest from Detroit, Miami, Minnesota, and his former team Phoenix, Finley chose to stay in Texas, signing with the San Antonio Spurs. This move set the stage for an unlikely playoff reunion. In the 2006 second round, Finley's new Spurs faced his old Mavericks. The series was heated; in Game 5, a punch thrown by former teammate Jason Terry earned the Suns guard a suspension and infuriated Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Though Finley's Spurs forced a seventh game after trailing 3–1, they ultimately fell to Dallas in overtime.

Reader's Guide

Michael Finley was originally drafted out of the University of Wisconsin–Madison by the Phoenix Suns as the 21st overall pick in the 1995 NBA draft. He spent his rookie season (1995–96) in Arizona, where he averaged fifteen points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game to make the All-Rookie First Team. He became only the third rookie in Suns history to score over 1,000 points that season. His career in Dallas began on December 26, 1996, via a massive trade involving Jason Kidd. He played for the Mavericks until 2005, winning two All-Star selections (2000 and 2001). After leaving Dallas to join San Antonio, he won his only NBA championship with the Spurs in 2007, setting a franchise playoff record with eight three-pointers made in a single game against Denver. He finished his career with the Boston Celtics in 2010 before retiring.

Did You Know?

• Finley tied an NBA record by recording eight steals in one half of a game on January 23, 2001.
• In 2007, he set the Spurs' playoff record for three-point field goals made in a single game with eight of nine attempts against Denver.
• Before his NBA career, Finley played against Michael Jordan in a 1-on-1 game to three points, which Jordan won 3–1; both games were broadcast on WBBM CBS Chicago.
• Finley was waived by Dallas in 2005 specifically to avoid luxury taxes under the league's new labor agreement.
• He completed his bachelor's degree in agricultural and applied economics at Wisconsin in 2014, over a decade after being drafted.