Mavs GM on why they passed up on Karl Malone in the 1985 NBA Draft: "Oakley is a man, Malone is half a man"

karl-malone

The Dallas Mavericks were among the 12 teams that passed on Karl Malone in the 1985 NBA Draft.

Malone was a highly regarded player from Louisiana Tech University. However, six other power forwards were selected before The Mailman, with the Mavericks opting for the more versatile Detlef Schrempf with the eighth pick in the draft.

Looking back, Mavs founder and former General Manager Norm Sonju explained their decision to pass Karl.

"I just don't think Malone is a rebounder," said Sonju. "I have a problem with big men who like to shoot outside. I like a man to be where a man belongs."

The Mailman in college

Malone averaged 9.3 rebounds per game in college. However, while he was considered a tough player, The Mailman was more known for his smooth mid-range jumpers than his rebounding prowess.

In contrast, four of the six power forwards picked ahead of him in the 1985 Draft averaged double-digit rebounds in college - Wayman Tisdale, Xavier McDaniel, Keith Lee, and Charles Oakley.

Sonju particularly liked Oak, who averaged 24.3 points and 17.3 rebounds as a senior at Virginia Union.

"Oakley is a man," said Sonju. "Malone is more like half a man. He appears to be tougher than he is. He gets knocked down a lot. He's not a Maurice Lucas type."

Dallas made a mistake

Interestingly, the Mavs had the opportunity to draft Oakley, but they picked Schrempf, who, despite primarly playing as a small forward, could also play as the four. Although Deltlef had a great NBA career, his best years came after the Mavericks traded him.

Meanwhile, Malone admitted that he was disappointed that the Mavs did not draft him. He revealed that he wanted to play close to home and that team officials visited him seven or eight times before the Draft.

Not only did Malone averaged 24.6 points and 10.2 rebounds against the Mavs in his career, but he also went on to become one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history. Malone finished his career with 14,968 rebounds, good for seventh best all-time. The Mavs missed big time when they passed on The Mailman in 1985.