30 Greatest Dallas Mavericks players in franchise history

3. Ronaldo Blackman

The Mavs drafted Blackman ninth overall in 1981, and the 6’6 wing immediately jumped into the rotation. Dallas won just 15 games in their first season, but Blackman, Mark Aguirre, and Jay Vincent were the start of changing the franchise's fortunes. Dallas only acquired Blackman because Kiki Vanderweghe, their first-round pick in 1980, refused to play for the expansion team.

Ro did not make Dallas regret it as he averaged over 17 points per game in year two. He was the Mavericks' second-leading scorer in 1984, and Blackman scored over 23 points per game in the playoffs as they advanced to the second round.

The 6’6 wing averaged over 18 points for nine straight years as he made four All-Star appearances and helped the Mavericks reach the conference finals for the first time in 1988. He played his first 11 seasons in Dallas before being traded to the Knicks in 1992 for a first-round pick. Blackman played just two more years in the NBA before finishing his playing career overseas.

During his 865 games in Dallas, Blackman averaged 19.2 points, 3.6 rebounds. 3.2 assists, and 0.8 steals in 34.3 minutes per game. He is fourth in team history in games played, and Ro ranks second in points, field goals made, free throws made, and win shares. Blackman is one of four Mavs to have their jersey retired, and he is unquestionably one of the best to ever wear their uniform.