Indiana Pacers: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

5. Antonio Davis (PF/C) – No. 45 pick in 1990 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Pacers):  420 GP, 9.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 0.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.3 TOV, 48.2 FG%, 68.2 FT%

The other half of the “Davis Boys” was drafted one year ahead of Dale, but Antonio spent three years playing overseas before joining the Pacers in 1993.

In comparing the two players, Antonio Davis wasn’t with Indiana as long as Dale Davis was, and Dale was a marginally more productive player than Antonio during their time in Indiana.

However, Antonio was a late second round pick (No. 45 overall), while Dale was taken 13th overall one year later — thus the decision to place Antonio one spot above Dale in these rankings.

Antonio Davis contributed to the Pacers’ reputation as a physically and mentally tough club, but there were also more tangible qualities to his game. Davis could score around the hoop and had a pretty solid midrange shot, and he was a good rebounder.

Antonio and Dale complemented each other well: Antonio was a better offensive player, while Dale was a bit stronger defensively and on the boards. Antonio Davis flourished even more after he was dealt to the Toronto Raptors and became a full-time starter, making the NBA All-Star team in 2001.

Davis is a prime example of a guy who came into the NBA with very low expectations, worked hard, and made himself valuable to the Indiana Pacers and every other team he played for.