American · Washington DC · Born 28 February 1956American basketball forward known for his exceptional scoring ability and efficiency, becoming one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history during the 1980s.
Adrian Dantley was born in Washington DC in 1956. He attended Notre Dame where he won Olympic gold at Montreal 1976 before Buffalo Braves selected him sixth overall in the 1976 NBA Draft. His 15-season career produced 24.3 points per game — the seventh-highest career scoring average in NBA history. He won two scoring titles (1981 with 30.7 points, 1984 with 30.6 points). He was selected to six All-Star games and named All-NBA Second Team twice. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. His scoring methodology was unique — he drew more free throw attempts per game than almost any player in history, and then converted them at over 81% for his career while also shooting 54% from the field. His footwork and ability to create contact intentionally made him one of basketball's most technically sophisticated offensive players. Detroit traded him for Mark Aguirre in 1989 — a move widely criticised at the time — and promptly won back-to-back championships. His Utah Jazz years — five seasons averaging over 26 points per game — represent one of the finest sustained individual scoring performances in franchise history.
Prolific scoring and free throw shooting accuracy
How They Played
Physical post player with excellent footwork and free throw shooting
Lasting Impact
One of the most efficient scorers in NBA history
Career Honours
- Scoring Champion 2x (1981,1984)
- All-Star 6x
- All-NBA Second Team 2x
- Hall of Fame (2008)
- Comeback Player of Year (1984)
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Braves | 1976–1977 | 77 |
| Indiana Pacers | 1977–1981 | 240 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 1981–1982 | 79 |
| Utah Jazz | 1979–1986 | 461 |
| Detroit Pistons | 1986–1991 | 345 |
American Athletes