Dale Ellis was born on June 6, 1960 in Marietta, Georgia. He discovered his love for basketball at a young age and dedicated himself to developing his skills on the court. Ellis attended the University of Tennessee where he played for the Volunteers from 1979 to 1983. During his college career, he was a standout player and earned the title of first-team All American in 1983.
After a successful college career, Ellis was selected 9th overall in the 1983 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. He went on to play for six different NBA teams throughout his career, including the Seattle SuperSonics where he spent seven seasons. In 1987, Ellis received the NBA's Most-Improved Player award, showcasing his dedication to improving his game.
Throughout his NBA career, Dale Ellis achieved many impressive milestones. In 1989, he won the Three-Point Shootout, showcasing his sharpshooting skills. He scored over 19,000 points in his career and was selected to the All-Star team and the All-NBA third team in 1989.
During the 1988-89 season with the SuperSonics, Ellis set a franchise record for points in a season with 2,253. This record stood for 21 seasons until it was broken by Kevin Durant, solidifying Ellis' legacy in Seattle basketball history.
In 1984, Dale Ellis married Monique Ellis and they have built a life together. Off the court, Ellis is known for his charitable work and involvement in community initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to giving back.
Dale Ellis will always be remembered as a skilled and dedicated basketball player who left a lasting impact on the NBA. His sharpshooting abilities and impressive career statistics solidify his place in basketball history.
Throughout his life, Dale Ellis has shown determination, perseverance, and a passion for the game of basketball. His contributions to the sport and his impact on the community make him a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere.