The Dallas Mavericks Once Passed on Drafting Karl Malone and Their GM Called Him "Half a Man"

I was doing some archive searches of the 1980’s, since everyone seems to be talking about how much tougher players were then. During the course of that, I came across an amazing piece from the April 24, 1986 Miami Herald entitled “Mavs Wanted a Real Man.” I can’t find an online version (other than subscription through Lexis) but here is the text, regarding the Mavericks and the decision not to draft Karl Malone in the draft before that season at 8th overall.

"Because Dallas Mavericks’ officials (and fans) are always whining about the team’s lack of muscle, Dallas columnist Skip Bayless suggested that the Mavs should have drafted Karl “The Mailman” Malone last year instead of Detlef Schrempf. Malone, who is 6-9 and 260 pounds, was selected by Utah — Dallas’ first-round playoff opponent — as the 13th choice in the first round. Schrempf, a thin, 6-10 playmaker, was eighth choice.In defending their decision, Mavs’ honchos said Malone looks tough but is basically a wimp.“I just don’t think Malone is a rebounder,” said Dallas General Manager Norm Sonju. “I have a problem with big men who like to shoot outside. I like a man to be where a man belongs.”Sonju had coveted Virginia Union strongman Charles Oakley, who was drafted by Cleveland and wound up with Chicago.“Oakley is a man,” concluded 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.”"

In a radio interview last year, Malone, who starred at Louisiana Tech, shared how disappointed he was that the Mavericks didn’t draft him, and how he was motivated to beat them. Being referenced as “half a man” and a “wimp” may also have provided some motivation back then. Also, how amazing is it that a GM passed on a big man because he could score? Karl Malone finished 2nd in all-time NBA scoring. Oops.