Aguirre: Wrath of Baskets!

As the world turned late yesterday, news surfaced that former NBA hoopster, Mark Aguirre, was hospitalized after losing consciousness mid treadmill workout. Although many hope for the best, the extent of concern at this point is unknown. What is known, however, by many Dallasites and the like, is that old Mark Aguirre is not recognized enough for his contributions to the Maverick franchise, i.e. he should have his number retired.

Under Mark Cuban and Co, the Mavericks have won 50+ games for 11 straight years and, in accordance, have had an equal streak of consecutive playoff appearances. But prior to Mark Cuban, the Mavericks were one of three worst franchises in all American professional sports. Along with the Cincinnati football Bengals and The LA basketball Clippers, they shared pity and non-thoughts from all. For Mavs fans of the 90’s, times were predominantly tough. Go back a few years though, to Springtime 1988, where Mark Aguirre and Rolando Blackman were leading the Mavs to a 7 game series in the Western Conference Finals against eventual champions that year, Le La La Lakers. The Mavs have only made it to the Western conference finals two other times since then.

Currently there are only two Mavs with numbers retired. Brad Davis and Rolando Blackman. Brad Davis is a fine guy and current team radio/TV broadcaster, but his statistics don’t warrant the recognition of the rafter drape, averaging a mere 8 points and 5 assists for his career. On the other hand, Ro-Ro Rolando averaged 18 points and 3 assists for his career. He was a bona fide star. The presence of Davis’ number yields the threshold question: what does it take to have a number retired by the Mavs??

Everyone knows Dirk Nowitzki will have his number retired. Jason Kidd may have a shot as well despite playing his better years elsewhere. Maybe even Michael “Call me Findog” Finley has a chance, even after the tuff-money split. Deeeeerek Harper! I’d love to see a Don “Nellie” Nelson banner with a Mad Scientist chemistry set sewn on it! I’m talking beakers baby!

Aguirre averaged over 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists a game as a Maverick over the course of 8 seasons! He was also selected to appear in a Converse commercial with Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Kevin Mchale, Bernard King, and Larry "Legend' Bird. Straight up, Aguirre's a badass. Although his immaturity at the time may have rubbed some North Dallas aristocrats the wrong way, those days are long since past. He lives in Big-D, and is for all intensive purposes a “Dallas Guy.” I’ve just decided that I want an Aguirre jersey asap. Yup! I’m an Aguirre fan, and I'm gonna start by retiring his jersey somewhere in the tall ceilings of my coyote den.

In closing, I now pray to the Basketball Gods to retire Aguirre Wrath of Baskets’ number to the AAC heavens.

In recap:

- Former NBA player man Mark Aguirre injured while on treadmill.

- Mavericks have not retired his number.

- He was one of the two best players on one of the Best Maverick teams in franchise history.

- The other best player has his number retired.

- Brad Davis is a cool cat but not really a rafter bat.

- Dirk and Kidd talk, plus Findog bark.

- Also with Derek Harper. Where's the number up there?
- Nellie is a cucomonga!

- Aguirre = (20x5x4)(MAVx8)

- Aquirre Wrath of Baskets, retire his number!

Talking about being the 6th man, so Rodman could beat people down: