Retired Number #24 Mark Aguirre

Lore & Background

His impact extended beyond statistics; Aguirre was a cultural touchstone for the franchise's growth in the 1980s. He held the franchise career scoring record for many years until Dirk Nowitzki eventually surpassed him, marking a passing of the torch between generations. The retirement of his number #24 in 2005 honored not just his stats, but his role in establishing Dallas as a legitimate NBA destination.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights hummed over Reunion Arena, casting long shadows on the polished hardwood. Aguirre dribbled near the top of the key, sweat stinging his eyes. The clock wound down under ten seconds. He didn't rush; he simply rose up from mid-range, a timeless motion perfected through thousands of reps. The net snapped, and the crowd roared, sealing another chapter in Dallas legend.

Reader's Guide

1982-83: NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Aguirre won this prestigious award during his third season with Dallas, highlighting his versatility as a reserve who could dominate offensively. 1984-1988: Five-Time NBA All-Star. He was selected to five consecutive All-Star Games while wearing the blue and silver jersey, establishing himself as an elite talent in the league. Franchise Scoring Record: Aguirre held the Mavericks all-time career scoring record for over a decade before Dirk Nowitzki eventually broke it in 2006. February 1, 2005: Number Retirement. The organization officially retired jersey #24 during a halftime ceremony at American Airlines Center, ensuring his legacy remains visible forever.

Did You Know?

• Aguirre was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1981 but was traded to Dallas before playing a single game for them.
• He shares the nickname 'The Hitman' with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, though they are unrelated.
• His number #24 is one of the few retired jerseys from the pre-Dirk era at American Airlines Center.
• Aguirre was part of the first Dallas team to ever make the NBA Playoffs.