Jim Jackson was picked third in the 1992 NBA Draft. However, he initially didn't play in what should have been his rookie season due to a contract dispute with his new team, the Dallas Mavericks .
A few months later, with Jimmy yet to make his NBA debut, this situation was brought up by the media during a discussion about the most surprising NBA rookies. A Sports Illustrated panelist mentioned Jackson, criticizing how he was handling the contract issues with the Mavs.
"He's [Jackson] really the biggest surprise. I expected him to be a dumb rookie, but he's way past that," remarked Schayes.
Revisiting the 1992 Draft Class
As the rookie with the most surprising impact, Richard Dumas received the majority (5) of the panel's sixteen votes. Among those who voted for the Phoenix Suns' young forward were fellow NBA players Eddie Johnson and Dominique Wilkins, as well as Joe Dumars. The then-Pistons guard humorously explained that his vote was based solely on Richard's impressive rookie performance, "not because my name sounds like his."
In hindsight, the 1992 Draft class emerged as one of the most stacked in NBA history. It included Latrell Sprewell (24th pick), who became a four-time All-Star; Robert Horry (11th pick), a seven-time NBA champion; and Tom Gugliotta (6th pick), an All-Star in 1997.
All of the top three picks became Hall of Famers: Shaquille O'Neal (1st pick), Alonzo Mourning (2nd pick), and Christian Laettner (3rd pick). Before the draft took place in Portland, Oregon, they were already viewed as can't-miss prospects due to their college success and were expected to excel on the big stage.
Related: "I am more disappointed today than I was back when I was not selected" -Isiah Thomas on handshake snub as the reason he didn't make the Dream Team
From holdout to hero
The 6'6" guard, who was the 4th pick in the draft, had also shown promise before entering the NBA, though not in such dominant fashion as the top three picks. Furthermore, his maturity was often questioned, and this concern seemed justified for some when the Ohio State product made news for his off-court antics rather than his performance on the court.
"I do not feel that the Dallas Mavericks have dealt with me in the same way other top NBA picks were dealt with," he said at the time. "I now feel it is necessary to publicly stop all speculation that I might at some time be willing to sign with Dallas. I will not under any circumstances, or at any time, play basketball with the Dallas Mavericks."
Many years later, the former player opened up about his conflict with then-Mavs owner Donald Carter. Essentially, both parties were playing hardball—Jackson wanted a bigger rookie deal, but the front office wasn't willing to budge. However, they eventually reached an agreement, allowing Jim to make his NBA debut on March 10, 1992.
The rookie went on to play 28 games in the 1992-93 regular season, often delivering strong performances. As an offensively skilled player, the Ohio native only failed to score in double digits three times. As a result, Jimmy ended the year as the team's second-highest scorer and ranked highly in several other categories.
With impressive stats of 16.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per contest, many even considered the then-22-year-old the best player on the Mavs roster. It was indeed a bizarre yet remarkable start to Jackson's 14-season NBA career.
Related: "I think they gave up on all three of us a little too soon" - Mashburn believes his partnership with J-Kidd and Jimmy Jackson could have done a lot of damage
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