Indiana Pacers: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

10. Vern Fleming (PG) – No. 18 pick in 1984 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Pacers):  816 GP, 11.7 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 2.1 TOV, 50.3 FG%, 19.2 3P%, 76.5 FT%

Vern Fleming did not enter the NBA with the fanfare of a high lottery pick, but the Pacers thought enough of him to invest their first round pick (No. 18) in him, despite his flaws.

The primary deficiency in Vern Fleming’s game was that he came into pro basketball without an outside shot. When he did attempt to score from long range, both his form and accuracy left much to be desired.

Fleming was good at getting to the basket off the dribble, and he was a good defensive player. He also had a calm, poised demeanor that served him well during his NBA career.

Fleming was a 6-foot-5 point guard who was a solid passer and effective rebounder for a guard. He also managed to improve his outside shooting enough that he could eventually hit the open shot when the opportunity arose.

The steady, dependable guard from New York spent 11 seasons in a Pacers uniform, providing production as a starter and giving the team a reliable option off the bench later in his career.

Indiana got a lot in return by using their 18th pick on Vern Fleming in 1984, making him one of the better draft picks the team has made since joining the NBA in 1976.