[1] In the 1992 NBA draft, the Mavericks selected Jim Jackson out of Ohio State University with the fourth overall pick.
[2][3][4][5][6] However, Jackson held out most of his rookie season due to a contract dispute, and refused to play for the Mavericks.
[7][8][9][10] The dismantling of the 1980s Mavericks continued as Fat Lever missed the entire season with a knee injury.
[18] However, Jackson finally signed with the Mavericks in early March,[19][20][21] and played in the final 28 games of the season, averaging 16.3 points, 4.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game, although he was not selected to an NBA All-Rookie Team at season's end.
In the final 21 games, Jackson helped the team to seven wins, including two straight to close out the year,[22][23] but the Mavericks still finished with a franchise worst 11–71 (.134) record.