Los Angeles Clippers: Top 10 NBA Draft picks of all time

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BOSTON – 1974: Ernie DiGregorio #15 of the Buffalo Braves moves the ball against Art Williams #7 of the Boston Celtics during a game played in 1974 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Copyright 1974 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /

7. Ernie DiGregorio

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 3 (1973)
Tenure: 1973 to 1977
Positon: Point Guard
Career Slash Line: .415/.000/.906
Career Averages: 27.9 MPG, 10.7 PPG, 5.6 APG, 2.2 RPG, 0.7 SPG
Accolades: 1974 Assists Leader, 1974 Rookie of the Year, All-Rookie First Team

This inclusion may go against the standard set for the other players on this list, but Ernie DiGregorio was a victim of circumstance. He put forth a brilliant rookie season in 1973-74, helped the Buffalo Braves reach the playoffs, and then fell victim to a debilitating injury.

DiGregorio only had one season of real significance, but he helped restore the Braves to relevance as a vital contributor to the cause.

During the 1973-74 NBA regular season, DiGregorio won Rookie of the Year by leading the NBA in assists. That alone is a significant feat that could be enough for the former Braves point guard to secure a place on this list.

The fact that DiGregorio’s arrival coincided with the first postseason appearance in franchise history is enough to put a significant amount of stock in.

Beyond the numbers and the victories, DiGregorio infused a sense of life and excitement into the organization. Bob McAdoo was the superstar talent, but DiGregorio was an exciting player who helped revolutionize the way point guard was played.

Injuries took DiGregorio’s prime before it could arrive, but he was the very definition of a floor general and one of the pioneers of the organization.

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