Dumas, a 6' 7" small forward from Oklahoma State University, was selected with the 46th pick of the 1991 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns. Just before the start of the 1991–92 season, however, Dumas was suspended from the NBA for violating its substance abuse policy. Dumas played in Israel for Hapoel Holon during his suspension. His rookie campaign commenced 19 games into the Suns' stellar 1992–93 season, averaging 15.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while helping the team to a league-best 62 wins and an NBA Finals appearance. Because of his performance during his first season in the NBA, Dumas received NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors.