Indiana Pacers: The 13th pick has a favorable history

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 01: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 01, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 01: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 01, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Indiana Pacers
Zach LaVine – Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Zach LaVine – 2014 NBA Draft

The last notable player to be selected 13th overall, at least in recent memory, is Zach LaVine. LaVine was not quite a star in Minnesota but has become that kind of player with the Bulls in the past few years. After not reaching 19 points per game in his first four seasons, LaVine has now averaged at least 23.7 points in each of the last three years.

This past season, LaVine really took off. He scored 27.4 points and had a career-high 4.9 assists per game while also having his best season as a shooter. He knocked down over 50 percent of his field goals and a staggering 41.9 percent of his threes while earning his first All-Star appearance.

LaVine is rightfully known for his ability to jump out of the gym and leave spectators in shock. His newfound jump shot has been incredible to see. He has become sort of a Pacers killer, so if he remains in Chicago, the future in Indiana certainly looks a little scarier.

Not every draft pick is going to be a star right away and sometimes the situation matters a bit more than others but Zach LaVine has finally started to show why many around the league view him as a cornerstone.