Dale Ellis, a sharpshooting forward, became one of the most reliable scorers in the NBA during his career. Born on August 6, 1960, in Georgia, Ellis honed his skills at the University of Tennessee, where he was a standout player. His college success led to him being selected ninth overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1983 NBA Draft.
Ellis's early years in the league with the Mavericks were marked by limited playing time, as he struggled to find his place in the team's rotation. However, a trade to the Seattle SuperSonics in 1986 proved to be a turning point. In Seattle, Ellis flourished, becoming a prolific scorer and one of the league's premier three-point shooters. During the 1986-87 season, he averaged 24.9 points per game, earning the NBA's Most Improved Player award.
The 1988-89 season was particularly outstanding for Ellis. He averaged 27.5 points per game, ranking among the top scorers in the league, and was selected to the All-Star team for the first and only time in his career. His ability to shoot from long range was a significant asset, and he set a then-NBA record for three-pointers made in a season with 168.
Ellis's tenure with the SuperSonics solidified his reputation as a scoring threat. However, in 1990, he was involved in a car accident that caused him to miss a significant portion of the season. Despite this setback, he returned to form and continued to be a valuable player for the team.
In 1991, Ellis was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he continued to be a consistent scorer. His journey in the NBA saw him play for several teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and Charlotte Hornets. Each stop in his career showcased his ability to adapt and contribute as a veteran presence.
Ellis returned to the SuperSonics in 1997, providing leadership and experience to a young team. He eventually concluded his NBA career with the Charlotte Hornets in the 1999-2000 season. Over his 17-year career, Ellis scored over 19,000 points and ranks among the top three-point shooters in NBA history.
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