NBA Draft 2016: Every team’s most underrated pick ever
By Brad Rowland
Indiana Pacers: Antonio Davis, No. 45 pick, 1990 NBA Draft
When it comes to overall impact, Antonio Davis does not compare to current Indiana Pacers star Paul George and he definitely does not compare to Pacers legend Reggie Miller. Still, Davis made a real impact on the Pacers franchise over a period of six seasons, and that value came in handy when associated with a mid-second round draft pick.
Davis averaged double-figures in scoring only once during his tenure in Indiana, putting up 10.5 points per game during the 1996-1997 season. The rest of his game was quite impressive, though, as the fearsome big man averaged 6.6 rebounds per game in only 25.4 minutes, and Davis did the dirty work that any NBA contender needs on the defensive end.
He served as a valued enforcer for Miller during his time with the Pacers, and Davis later became a more engaging offensive player, averaging nearly a double-double over six years with the Toronto Raptors. It is doubtful that Antonio Davis would pop up on any list of the best draft picks in Indiana Pacers history, but he really should when factoring in his draft slot.
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