Adrian Dantley
Inducted:
2008
Player Stats
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
208 lb (94 kg)
Born
February 26, 1955
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Position:
Small forward
College:
Notre Dame (1973–1976)
Adrian Dantley, nicknamed "A.D.," was one of the most efficient and prolific scorers in NBA history. Despite being a "undersized" small forward at 6'5", Dantley possessed a unique, bruising post-game that allowed him to dominate much taller defenders. A master of the mid-range and the low block, he utilized an array of pump fakes and footwork to become a permanent fixture at the free-throw line.
Dantley’s peak came with the Utah Jazz, where he led the NBA in scoring twice and averaged over 30 points per game for four consecutive seasons (1981–1984). He was also a vital member of the 1976 Olympic gold-medal-winning team and earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 1977. Though he was often traded—playing for seven different teams—his scoring prowess remained elite until his retirement. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
Dantley's Awards and Records
- Olympic Gold Medalist (1976)
- 4 Retired by the Utah Jazz
- One of the most efficient high-volume scorers in NBA history
- Led the NBA in scoring while shooting over 55 percent
NBA Records
- 2x NBA Scoring Champion (1981, 1984)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1977)
- 6x NBA All-Star (1980–1982, 1984–1986)
- 2x All-NBA Second Team (1981, 1984)
- NBA Comeback Player of the Year (1984)
NBA Team
Buffalo Braves (1976–1977)
Indiana Pacers (1977)
Los Angeles Lakers (1977–1979)
Utah Jazz (1979–1986)
Detroit Pistons (1986–1989)
Dallas Mavericks (1989–1990)
Milwaukee Bucks (1991)
NBA Draft
1976: 1st round, 6th overall pick
Buffalo Braves
Number Worn
44, 4, 45, 7
NBA Stats
Season:
15 (1976-1991)
Games Played:
955
Game Started:
546
Points:
23,177 (24.3 ppg)
Rebounds:
5,455 (5.7 rpg)
Assists:
2,830 (3.0 apg)
Field Goal %:
42.6%
Free Throw %:
81.8%
Point Per Game:
24.3
All-Star Appearances:
6