*Editor's note: Throughout the offseason, we're republishing some of our biggest Dallas Mavericks stories from years past.
The following first appeared in May 1, 2005 editions of The Dallas Morning News
Like a newborn foal, the Dallas Mavericks franchise entered the world at 10:22 a.m. on May 1, 1980, wobbling boldly, naively, into the provocative realm of professional basketball.
Dignitaries and onlookers filled Union Station's Pullman Room. NBA commissioner Lawrence O'Brien picked up a pen and smiled at Mavericks owner-to-be Donald Carter.
"Shall I sign first, Don?