The Dallas Mavericks were hungry to get back in the playoffs in 2001. Fans had not seen the postseason since 1990, and the Mavs had not made it out of the first round since 1988. Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, and Michael Finley gave the Mavericks a big three. They added veteran coach Del Harris as an assistant, and he was a key piece in the team’s run.
Harris was on the staff for six years. The Mavs made it to the playoffs in every season including winning the Western Conference in his final year.