DALLAS —When the Dallas Mavericks hit the hardwood for the first time over 40 years ago, it was a pivotal moment for the city of Dallas and forever changed the sports landscape in the region.
Norm Sonju co-founded the organization with the late Don Carter during an economic downturn where investors got nervous about the idea of an NBA team. They felt like football was king in Dallas and basketball would never catch on in the city.
Even today, Sonju can recall every detail from the early days with precision and clarity. He said the Mavericks franchise was founded on faith, “a lot of prayers,” and divine timing.