Four decades after helping put the franchise on the NBA map, Mark Aguirre took his place among Mavericks royalty as Dallas retired his No. 24 jersey at the American Airlines Center on Thursday night.

Dallas Mavericks legend Mark Aguirre got emotional when describing the support of his friends and teammates when he was in the league. Aguirre had his jersey retired by the Mavs Thursday night.

Cliff Robinson set the previous NBA teen record of 45 at age 19 for New Jersey in a game against Detroit on March 9, 1980.

Both are Mavericks trailblazers. Both were born in Chicago, albeit 21 years apart. Both within the past year have endured strokes. But of their commonalities, the most striking is the profound gratitude in their voices.

Of all teams, no one is generating more buzz in the NBA than the Charlotte Hornets, and the Mavericks have to face them on Thursday night.

Klay Thompson’s injury status is in focus as the Dallas Mavericks host the Charlotte Hornets on a night honoring Mark Aguirre.