Rolando Blackman

The second Panamanian-born NBA player who turned the Mavericks into a Western Conference contender.

Rolando Blackman is a Panamanian-American basketball legend who spent 11 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, defining the early identity of the franchise. Born in Panama City and raised in Brooklyn from age eight, he was the second Panamanian-born player in the league after being drafted 9th overall in 1981, following Alfred 'Butch' Lee. He remains synonymous with Dallas basketball history, holding the single-game record for free throws made (22) and seeing his number 22 jersey retired by the team.

Quick Facts

Born: 26 February 1959
Birthplace: Panama City, Panama
Nationality: Panamanian; American
High school: William E. Grady (Brooklyn, New York)
College: Kansas State (1977–1981)
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 9
Drafted by: Dallas Mavericks

Lore & Background

Blackman's tenure in Dallas was defined by immediate impact and sustained excellence. After averaging 13.3 points per game as a rookie, his statistical peak arrived during the 1983–1984 season when he averaged a career-high 22.4 PPG, propelling the Mavericks to their first-ever playoff berth. The team defeated the Seattle SuperSonics before falling to the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round. His brilliance shone brightest on February 17, 1986, when he set the franchise single-game record by making 22 free throws (attempting 23).

He was selected to the All-Star game that year, and was chosen four times total, including a memorable performance at the 1987 game where he tied the contest with two free throws in regulation. His leadership guided Dallas to their first Western Conference Finals in 1988, where they pushed the Lakers to seven games before falling short. Over his 11 seasons with the team, Blackman scored 16,643 points and made 6,007 field goals, setting a scoring record that stood for 18 years until Dirk Nowitzki broke it in 2008. Remarkably, across 865 games with Dallas, he never fouled out of a single contest.

Reader's Guide

For fans analyzing Blackman's Dallas career, the key metrics revolve around consistency and franchise-firsts. He was drafted 9th overall in 1981 and averaged 13.3 PPG in his rookie year, playing roughly 24 minutes per game. His breakout came in 1983–1984 with a career-high 22.4 PPG, leading the team to their first playoff appearance where they defeated Seattle before losing to Los Angeles. The peak of his Dallas era was the 1987–1988 season, where he helped the Mavericks reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time ever, a run that ended in a seven-game loss to the Lakers.

Statistically, he set a single-game record on February 17, 1986, by making 22 free throws. He earned four All-Star selections during his Dallas tenure. His total contribution includes 6,487 made field goals and 16,643 points, the latter being a franchise record for 18 years until March 8, 2008. A unique piece of trivia is that in his 865 games with the Mavericks, he never fouled out. He left the team after the 1991–1992 season when Dallas began rebuilding at age 32.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Rolando Blackman?

He was a Panamanian-American shooting guard who defined the early Dallas Mavericks franchise as their primary scoring threat from 1981 to 1992. Known for his smooth jump shot and clutch performances, he became the first player born in Panama to play in the NBA.

What role did he play on the team?

Blackman served as the franchise's elite scorer and four-time All-Star during his tenure with Dallas. He was instrumental in transforming the Mavericks into a competitive Western Conference contender throughout the 1980s.

What are his biggest achievements with Dallas?

His most notable accomplishments include leading the team to their first-ever playoff berth in 1984 and reaching the Western Conference Finals in 1988. He remains one of only a few players to be selected as an All-Star four times while wearing jersey number 22 for the Mavs.

Where was he born and when did his career start?

Born in Panama City, Blackman moved to Brooklyn at age eight before being drafted ninth overall by Dallas in 1981. He spent the vast majority of his thirteen-season NBA career representing the Mavericks organization.