Brad Davis
Point guard who spent 12 seasons with Dallas and was the first Maverick to have his number retired.
Bradley Ernest Davis (born December 17, 1955) is an American former professional basketball player who spent the bulk of his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks. He has been associated with the franchise for its entire existence as a player, assistant coach, or broadcaster. Born in Monaca, Pennsylvania, he graduated from Monaca High School under head coach Dave Nichol and played college basketball at the University of Maryland under Lefty Driesell before being selected 15th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1977 NBA draft.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 17 December 1955
- Birthplace
- Monaca, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- High school
- Monaca (Monaca, Pennsylvania)
- College
- Maryland (1974–1977)
- Draft round
- 1
- Draft pick
- 15
- Drafted by
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Career number
- 30, 20, 12, 15
Lore & Background
Davis signed with the Utah Jazz on February 29, 1980, but was released to allow the Detroit Pistons to invite him to camp. After being cut by the Pistons on October 8, he joined the Dallas Mavericks as a free agent on December 2, 1980, becoming the starting point guard just two months into the franchise's first season. In the 1982–83 season, he set a team record with 7.2 assists per game and ranked second on the team with 80 steals. He also posted a .572 field goal percentage that year, a remarkable mark for a guard. By the 1984–85 season, he ranked third in the league in free-throw percentage and 10th in three-point percentage. His career high point came in 1987–88 when he helped lead the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals, where they lost a seven-game series to the Los Angeles Lakers, who were not the eventual NBA champion that year; the Detroit Pistons won the 1988 NBA title.
Reader's Guide
Following his playing career, Davis immediately transitioned into a dual role for the Mavericks in 1993. He served as an assistant coach under head coach Dick Motta while simultaneously working as the color commentator for televised games. He later moved exclusively to radio broadcasts, serving as the radio analyst until the 2007–08 season. During that time, he swapped positions with TV commentator Bob Ortegel before they switched back to their original roles. Davis remains active with the team as a player development coach and community services representative. Throughout his career, he averaged 8.6 points, 5.1 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and 24.2 minutes per game. He holds franchise records for games played, minutes played, and assists, remaining the final player from the team's inaugural season.
Did You Know?
- Davis tried out for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball before focusing on basketball.
- He was named CBA Newcomer of the Year and made the All-CBA Second Team in 1980 after helping Anchorage win a championship.
- He is the brother of former NBA player Mickey Davis.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Brad Davis play in the league?
His active playing tenure spanned from 1980 until his retirement in 1992, covering the entirety of the Mavericks' early history. Although drafted by the Lakers in 1977, he spent the bulk of his playing days in Dallas.
Where did he play college basketball?
Before turning pro, Davis honed his skills at the University of Maryland under head coach Lefty Driesell. This collegiate success paved the way for his selection in the 1977 NBA draft.
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