Indiana Pacers: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

Apr 15, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; iIndiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the first quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; iIndiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the first quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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8. Al Harrington (PF) – No. 25 pick in 1998 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Pacers):  390 GP, 10.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 1.8 TOV, 45.1 FG%, 33.8 3P%, 73.3 FT%

Al Harrington was the first high school player ever drafted by Indiana, and the team received a nice return by taking a gamble on the 18-year-old from New Jersey back in 1998.

Upon being drafted, Harrington joined a veteran-laden Pacers team, so he was brought along slowly by his first NBA coach, Larry Bird. Harrington made steady progress and became a key player for Indiana during his time there.

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“Baby Al” made his name in the NBA primarily as a scorer. He had a variety of moves around the basket and became a much better three-point shooter after spending a few years in the league.

Al Harrington had a successful seven seasons with the Pacers, but he blossomed even further after he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Stephen Jackson in 2004.

Harrington entered the NBA as a very young and very raw prospect, found his niche, and ended up having a career in the NBA that lasted for 16 years.

Some players make it in the NBA because they can contribute in a variety of ways, and some specialize in one area and become good enough at that single skill to remain in the league for a long time.

Al Harrington wasn’t a great rebounder, passer or defender, but he could flat-out score — and that led to a terrific career for a guy who was drafted near the end of the first round.