The 2011 NBA champions, Dallas Mavericks, were a real feel-good story. The team was built around Dirk Nowitzki, the best player in franchise history, and was filled with savvy NBA veterans. Guys like Jason Kidd, Peja Stojakovic and Shawn Marion got a chance to win their only championship. One of the players on that roster was DeShawn Stevenson.

Stevenson was 29 at the time, playing his 11th season on his 4th NBA team. While he did not contribute as much, he was still a part of that roster and he had some good games for the Mavs. Right now, Stevenson is the best player for his Big3 team, Power. He provided the first game-winner of the league and generally, is playing great for the team that has four wins in five games.

During a Big3 media event in Dallas, one spectator asked Stevenson about his time in Dallas. Stevenson responded by sharing a fond memory of him and Nowitzki.

As Stevenson says, Nowitzki knew even then that this team was capable of winning the championship. It is truly the confidence of a leader that can fuel a team towards something spectacular. Mavs were faced against an amazing Miami Heat team. However, the veterans of Dallas were victorious, even though they were huge underdogs.