Texas Legends Overview
The Texas Legends are a professional basketball team competing in the NBA G League, based in Frisco, Texas. Established in 2006 as the Colorado 14ers, the team relocated to Texas in 2009 and is affiliated with the Dallas Mavericks. The Legends play their home games at the Comerica Center and sport team colors of royal blue, navy blue, silver, and white. Owned and operated by the Dallas Mavericks, the team has won one championship title in 2009, along with conference and division titles the same year.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The franchise began in 2006 as the Colorado 14ers, founded by Colorado businessmen Tim Wiens and John Frew to attract fans in the northwest Denver-Boulder region. Initially part of the Continental Basketball Association, the 14ers joined the NBA Development League in their inaugural season. The team was named after Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountain peaks and quickly established a competitive presence with Joe Wolf as their first coach. Early leadership focused on building a strong roster and fan base, setting records for attendance and scoring in Colorado minor league basketball.
Growth Into NBA G League Competition
In 2009, Dallas Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson purchased the 14ers and relocated the team to Frisco, Texas, rebranding it as the Texas Legends for the 2010–11 season. The move included new team colors and branding to align with their NBA affiliate. The Legends played their home games at the Comerica Center and began to build their operations with notable basketball figures such as Nancy Lieberman, the first woman to coach a men’s professional basketball team, and Spud Webb as president of basketball operations. This period marked the team’s transition into a fully integrated NBA G League franchise with strong ties to the Dallas Mavericks.
Texas Legends Competitive Journey
The Texas Legends have progressed from their origins as the Colorado 14ers to become a competitive team in the NBA G League. Their journey includes a championship win in 2009 and consistent playoff appearances, supported by experienced coaching and management staff.
Early Seasons and Development (2006–2009)
As the Colorado 14ers, the team experienced early success, winning 28 games in their first season and qualifying for the playoffs. Key players such as Von Wafer and Louis Amundson contributed to the team’s competitive edge, with several players advancing to the NBA. The 14ers set league records for scoring and attendance, establishing a strong foundation. Despite roster changes and financial challenges, the team secured the D-League championship in 2009 under coach Robert MacKinnon, marking a major milestone.
Breakthrough in NBA G League (2009–2015)
After relocating and becoming the Texas Legends, the team continued to develop under the leadership of coaches like Nancy Lieberman and Del Harris. The Legends made their first playoff appearance in the 2010–11 season, achieving a strong start with a 5–1 record and setting a league record for points scored in a half. Although playoff success was limited during this period, the team maintained competitive consistency. The involvement of basketball veterans in coaching and management helped refine the team’s strategy and player development.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2015–Present)
Since 2015, the Texas Legends have focused on strengthening their affiliation with the Dallas Mavericks, enhancing their operational infrastructure and player development programs. Under head coach Jordan Sears and general manager Terry Sullivan, the team continues to compete in the Western Conference of the NBA G League. The Legends emphasize developing talent for the NBA while striving for competitive success in the league. Their long-term goals include sustained playoff appearances and nurturing future NBA players.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The Texas Legends prioritize player development and competitive play, leveraging their strong affiliation with the Dallas Mavericks. The team excels in fast-paced offense and strategic defense, supported by experienced coaching and a focus on grooming players for NBA readiness.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
The franchise’s first major milestone was winning the D-League championship in 2009 as the Colorado 14ers. The relocation to Texas and rebranding as the Legends in 2010 marked a new era, highlighted by Nancy Lieberman’s historic appointment as the first female head coach of a men’s professional basketball team. The team’s record-setting performances and playoff appearances have been significant moments in their history.
Texas Legends Achievements and Results
The Texas Legends have achieved notable success in the NBA G League, including one championship, one conference title, and one division title, all secured in 2009. Their accomplishments reflect a strong competitive presence and effective player development.
NBA G League Achievements
The franchise won the 2009 NBA Development League championship as the Colorado 14ers, marking their highest achievement. That season also included winning the Western Conference and the division title. Since relocating and becoming the Texas Legends, the team has maintained competitive play and contributed to the development of NBA talent through their affiliation with the Dallas Mavericks.
Conference Achievements
The Legends secured the Western Conference championship in 2009, demonstrating their ability to compete at a high level within the league. This achievement remains a highlight in the team’s history and underscores their competitive potential.
Divisional Achievements
The team won their division title in 2009, complementing their conference and league championships. This success established the franchise as a formidable competitor in the NBA G League’s divisional play.
Series Achievements
Throughout their history, the Texas Legends have participated in multiple playoff series, with their most notable success coming in 2009 when they won the league championship. The team continues to build on this legacy by focusing on player development and competitive performance in the NBA G League.
