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 /

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Jan 25, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger (33) drives to the basket past Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Danny Granger (SF) – No. 17 pick in 2005 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Pacers): 544 GP, 17.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 2.0 TOV, 43.5 FG%, 38.2 3P%, 84.9 FT%

Danny Granger was a hot prospect coming into the 2005 NBA Draft, as he was expected to go in the top 10; perhaps in the top five. But, there was one major concern about the 6-foot-9 forward from the University of New Mexico.

Granger was recovering from a knee injury, and some NBA teams were very concerned that this would hamper his pro basketball career — perhaps even prevent him from having one.

Due to this issue, Danny Granger was still on the board when the Indiana Pacers were on the clock at No. 17, and they were more than happy to take a chance on Granger.

The knee problem turned out to be a very temporary setback early on, and Granger quickly showed why he was once considered a top-five draft talent.

Granger could score on the drive, from midrange, and from beyond the three-point line. He peaked statistically in 2008-09, averaging 25.8 points per game on 40 percent three-point shooting.

Danny Granger was an outstanding scorer, and a quiet but effective leader during his nine seasons in Indiana. Considering he was chosen 17th overall, Granger has to be considered one of the best Pacers draft picks of all time.

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