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Philadelphia 76ers: Top 5 draft selections in Bryan Colangelo’s career

By Simon Smith

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) and President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo (M) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (L) during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) and President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo (M) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (L) during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Michael Finley (SG) — No. 21 pick in 1995 NBA Draft

Michael Finley emerged from a relatively strong draft class by providing amazing value at pick No. 21. Chosen after players coming from bigger programs such as Shawn Respert, Ed O’Bannon and Cherokee Parks, the University of Wisconsin product had an immediate impact for a Phoenix Suns team fresh off a 59-win season.

With three-time All-Star and team stalwart Dan Majerle traded in the offseason, Finley was thrust into the action immediately, starting in 72 out of 82 games in his rookie season. Averaging 15.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, Finley finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.

Despite a highly productive start to his career, Finley was traded to the Dallas Mavericks midway through his second season in a deal that saw the Suns land All-Star point guard Jason Kidd. Following an initial transition period, Finley would prove to be an inspired addition for the Mavericks. Just prior to the trade, Colangelo had nothing but praise for Finley:

"“Michael Finley is the epitome of hard work and effort. He plays every game hard for the Suns.”"

In his first five full seasons in Dallas, Finley averaged at least 20 points per game, while missing a total of 13 games during that span. His career year occurred in 1999-00 where he averaged 22.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals while leading the league with 42.2 minutes per game.

Finley wound becoming a two-time All-Star while playing nine seasons in Dallas, of which the last five seasons consisted of 50+ wins. Following his last campaign for Dallas in 2004-05, Finley chose to sign with the reigning NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in his pursuit for an elusive title.

He was granted his wish in his second season with the Spurs, as they complete a 4-0 Finals whitewash against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

So although Finley played just 109 off his 1,103 career games with the Suns, his selection is certainly still a feather in the cap for Colangelo and his due diligence come draft night.

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