I remember that first year (1980).  The Mavs won their very first game against the Spurs, then continued on to win only 14 more the rest of that season.  I remember Tina winning tickets on the radio to game 6 of the Western Conference finals against the Magic-Kareem led LA Lakers.  The Mavs won that day only to suffer disappointment in game 7 as Mark Aguirre came up with a thumb injury.  I witnessed a promising title contender with the talented Roy Tarpley disintegrate like the cocaine powder under his nose.  I watched as the "model" franchise of the time turned into one of the worst pro sports franchises in the 90’s.  As a fan during those years we were teased by annual lottery visits and disappointed just as fast by the likes of Randy White (not the HOF football player), Doug Smith, etc.  We were really teased by the trio of Mashburn, Jackson, and Kidd a.k.a. the "3 J’s".  Again, we were let down as the trio self destructed along with the organization. 
Then, came Don and Donnie Nelson, and more importantly Mark Cuban.  The Nelson’s brought in Dirk and Nash to the snickers of the league.  Then they discovered Josh Howard.  Don Nelson did a great job of turning this team in to a 50 win perennial playoff team, but we fell a little short.  Then came the hires of all hires, The Little General!  Avery Johnson swaggered in to the organization thanks to some incredible foresight by Nellie, and took the team over the hump by emphasizing defense and mental toughness!  Throw in an MVP worthy season by Dirk and you have it, "DALLAS MAVERICKS, 2005-06 WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS!   Ohhhh, how sweeeeet!!!!