My Favorite Pacer Draft Picks

The Indiana Pacers are a month and a half away from the NBA draft. This got me thinking about some of my favorite Pacer draft picks. So without further a due here are my top 5 Pacer draft picks. These may not be the most influential picks they ever made, but as someone who grew up in Indiana, they meant a lot to me.

Number 5 PF Tyler Hansbrough 1^st Rd. Pick 13 2009

Tyler Hansbrough was drafted out of North Carolina where he won numerous accolades, his rookie year was cut short due to an inner ear problems. However, Tyler rebounded and became a solid backup and was one of my favorite players to watch on the Pacers due to his relentless style of play.

Number 4 C Rik Smits 1^st Rd. Pick 2 1988

Rik Smits was a 7’4’’ center drafted out of Marist College. Smits retired from the Pacers after losing in the NBA finals to the Lakers in 2000. The era Smits played in will always be my favorite in the NBA, when players were actually allowed to guard each other and points were earned.

Number 3 Danny Granger 1^st Rd. Pick 17 2005

Danny Granger was selected out of New Mexico and was the first true face of the franchise after Reggie Millers retirement, I remember Danny got me excited to watch Pacer basketball again. Danny gave Indiana everything he had until he was traded in 2014 to the 76ers.

Number 2 Paul George 1^st Rd. Pick 10 2010

Paul George was selected out of Fresno St. College and started out playing shooting guard even though his natural position is Small Forward. Paul had tremendous talent and once Danny Granger was sidelined with injury was able to move to his natural position and really shine. However before the beginning of this season he suffered a terrible leg break and sat out most of the season only playing in a handful of games to close out. George will be completely healthy next year and ready to compete.

Number 1 Reggie Miller 1^st Rd. Pick 11 1987

Reggie Miller Photo CreditFlickr user Philadelphia 76ers 

Reggie Miller was selected out of UCLA and led the Pacers to numerous playoff appearances and on NBA finals. Reggie Miller was selected into the Hall of Fame and is one of the best three point shooters of all time. He recently celebrated his 8 points in 9 seconds 20-year reunion. And who can forget the Knicks vs. Pacers in the 90’s.

That is my list of my top favorite Draft picks in Pacer history. Do you agree? What would you do differently? Please comment below