Mookie Blaylock facts for kids
Daron Oshay "Mookie" Blaylock (born March 20, 1967) is a former American professional basketball player. He played for 13 years in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Mookie Blaylock was known for his amazing defense and quick hands. He played for the New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Golden State Warriors.
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Mookie Blaylock's Basketball Journey
College Days
Mookie Blaylock was a 6-foot-tall point guard who was great at passing and playing defense. He went to Garland High School, then Midland College, and later the University of Oklahoma. At Midland College, he earned special honors as an NJCAA All-American in 1987.
He was known for his quick hands. He could steal the ball from opponents many times. In fact, he had over 200 steals in a season five different times! He was also chosen twice for the NBA All-Defensive First Team. Mookie was also a good shooter from far away. He was a great passer, often ranking high in the league for assists. He was also very good at starting fast breaks for his team. In 1988, he helped lead the Oklahoma Sooners to the NCAA title game.
Pro Career Highlights
The New Jersey Nets picked Mookie Blaylock as the 12th player in the 1989 NBA draft. He quickly became an important player for the Nets. Before the 1992–93 season, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks. There, he really shined under the new coach, Lenny Wilkens.
Mookie played for the Hawks for seven years. He became their all-time leader in three-point shots made and attempted. He also led the team in career steals. In 1994, he was chosen to play in the 1994 NBA All-Star Game. Later, he was traded to the Golden State Warriors. He finished his career playing as a reserve player for the Warriors.
Amazing NBA Records
- Mookie Blaylock led the NBA in steals for two years in a row (1996–97 and 1997–98). Only a few other players, like Alvin Robertson, Magic Johnson, Allen Iverson, and Chris Paul, have done this.
- In the 1996–97 season, he tried the most three-point shots in the NBA. He also made the second-most three-pointers that season.
- He is the Atlanta Hawks' all-time leader in steals, with 1,321 steals.
- In the 1995–96 season, he set new records for the Atlanta Hawks. He made 231 three-pointers and attempted 623 three-pointers in a single season.
Personal Life
Mookie Blaylock has three sons who play football. His twin sons, Daron and Zack, both played for the University of Kentucky. They graduated from Walton High School in Marietta, Georgia. His youngest son, Dominick, also graduated from Walton High School. Dominick plays football for Georgia Tech, after playing for the University of Georgia. The famous baseball player Mookie Betts, who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was named after Mookie Blaylock. Mookie Blaylock lives in Zebulon, Georgia.
See also
- List of National Basketball Association career assists leaders
- List of National Basketball Association career steals leaders
- List of National Basketball Association players with most assists in a game
- List of National Basketball Association players with most steals in a game
- List of NCAA Division I men's basketball players with 11 or more steals in a game
