Offensive Game
The greatest scorer in early Mavericks history. Four-time All-Star who averaged 20+ PPG across multiple seasons. Exceptional mid-range artist with a quick release and mastery of the pull-up jumper off the dribble.
Career Journey
Dallas Mavericks
1981-1992
Rolando Antonio Blackman is a Panamanian-American former professional basketball player who spent 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), most of it with the Dallas Mavericks. He was a four-time NBA All-Star, and he holds the Mavericks' franchise single-game record for free throws made (22).
Offensive Game
The greatest scorer in early Mavericks history. Four-time All-Star who averaged 20+ PPG across multiple seasons. Exceptional mid-range artist with a quick release and mastery of the pull-up jumper off the dribble.
Defensive Game
Solid but not exceptional defensive player — focused his energy on the offensive end during his peak years. Capable of guarding quality shooting guards but not known as a defensive stopper.
Intangibles
Extremely intelligent player who understood how to score efficiently before the concept of shot quality became a mainstream analytical framework. Made smart decisions, rarely wasted possessions.
All articles
Before Dirk there was Rolando. The silk-smooth shooting guard from Panama City who became the Dallas Mavericks' first true franchise scorer — and the reason number 22 belongs in the rafters.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
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New York Knicks
1992-1994
Personal Life & Family
Status
Married
Children (1)
Parents & Siblings
Off the Court
Community basketball programs in Dallas and the tri-state area
Did You Know?
Blackman was born in Panama City, Panama — making him one of the earliest prominent Central American-born players to succeed in the NBA at the highest level.
His signature left-handed pull-up jumper was considered one of the most difficult shots to contest in the Western Conference during the 1980s, even against taller defenders.
He and Derek Harper formed a backcourt that was compared favorably to the great guard duos of the 1980s — Magic and Byron Scott, Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars — in terms of competitiveness and complementary skill sets.
Blackman's 16,643 points scored as a Maverick stood as the franchise record for over a decade before being surpassed by Dirk Nowitzki's legendary 21-year run.
Career Honors
4x NBA All-Star (1985, 1986, 1987, 1990)
Jersey #22 Retired by Dallas Mavericks (2000)
Dallas Mavericks All-Time Leading Scorer at retirement
1988 Western Conference Finals participant
Dallas Mavericks · Official
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