"I think they gave up on all three of us a little too soon" - Mashburn believes his partnership with J-Kidd and Jimmy Jackson could have done a lot of damage

The Dallas Mavericks of the early 90s featured a promising trio of Jamal Mashburn , Jimmy Jackson, and Jason Kidd. Blessed with the nickname "The Three Js," the trio electrified Texas and the NBA with their unique blend of speed, scoring, and style. When Kidd arrived in 1995 as a rookie out of California, the Mavs soon took off and won 36 games, a massive jump after winning only 13 the previous season.

With the heady guard selflessly setting the table up for Mash and Jackson, Dallas had seemingly found a recipe for success. Jackson led the team with 25.7 points per game, while Mash followed close at 24.1. The Mavericks seemed ready to rise in the Western Conference, yet unfortunate injuries halted their ascent. Jamal's knee injury restricted him to just 18 games, while Jimmy grappled with a nagging ankle issue throughout the season.

In December 1996, Dallas surprised the NBA world when they traded Kidd to Phoenix. A few months later, Jackson and Mashburn were also gone and sent to Miami and New Jersey, respectively. Looking back on the events that transpired, 'Mash' said it was unfortunate the franchise gave up on their "Big 3" far too soon.

The Mavs became impatient

The former Kentucky Wildcat believes they had something going on in Dallas then. They were all developing their games together, and it was only a matter of time before they became a dominant force in the Western Conference. Unfortunately, that opportunity never materialized as they were all dispersed across different teams.

"I think they gave up on all three of us a little too soon," Jamal told Slam Magazine.

"Jim had an ankle injury, I had a knee injury. If they would have given us time to just heal, and if they would have kept Dick Motta, I think he was on the right track," the one-time All-Star added.

No truth to Braxton rumors

When the disbandment of "The Three Js" is discussed, the conversation always involves R&B star Toni Braxton , rumored to be why Jim and Jason had beef. But Mashburn set the record straight, saying it was a rumor blown out of proportion.

"I think at that time Jimmy and Jason were going through their own particular issues. From my understanding, being in the locker room, there was no truth to the Toni Braxton part. She played a part in it from the standpoint that she had an album out at the time, or was about to release it, called 'Secrets.' She went on the Dallas airwaves and said she doesn't kiss and tell," the 6-foot-8 forward remarked .

Mashburn genuinely believes that if the franchise had allowed them to work through their injuries and issues, they could have made some noise in the 90s. However, their lack of camaraderie doomed their explosive potential, setting them on a path of unfulfilled promise.

Related: Jamal Mashburn on playing with Jason Kidd: "He had trouble with the points part of it in the triple-double"