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LA’s draft history: Ranking every #3 overall pick

By Hans Themistode

2 Nov 2000: A closeup of Darius Miles #21 of the Los Angeles Clippers looking on during the game against the Vancouver Grizzlies at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Grizzlies defeated the Clippers 99-91. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport
2 Nov 2000: A closeup of Darius Miles #21 of the Los Angeles Clippers looking on during the game against the Vancouver Grizzlies at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Grizzlies defeated the Clippers 99-91. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport /
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Ernie DiGregorio
Ernie DiGregorio (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

2. Ernie DiGregorio

LA Clippers stats: 10.7 ppg, 5.6 apg

After suffering through years of draft-day heartbreak, the LA Clippers seemed to finally have a true franchise-altering player in Ernie DiGregorio.

Sitting with the third overall pick in the 1973 NBA Draft, the Buffalo Braves, now known as the Clippers, quickly snagged DiGregorio. Shortly after making their selection, LA couldn’t stop themselves from grinning as DiGregorio easily and efficiently dropped over 15 points per game to go with 8.2 assists, a league high, during his rookie season.

As Clipper Nation began salivating over the endless possibilities that were ahead of them with DiGregorio manning the point, their dreams were summarily crushed the moment DiGregorio went down with a career-changing injury the following year.

Although DiGregorio would eventually fight his way back to the lineup, he was merely a shell of his former great self. In year two, DiGregorio’s averages plummeted as he dropped just 7.8 points and 4.9 assists. Those numbers, while meager, only worsened in year three as DiGregorio went on to average just 6.7 points and 4.0 assists.

Despite his struggles, slowly but surely, DiGregorio began finding his way. Several years removed from his devastating injury, DiGregorio would average 10.7 points and 4.7 assists. Ultimately, his moment of success was short-lived as he traded during the 1977-78 season.

Undoubtedly, if not for injury, DiGregorio appeared to be well on his way to a notable career in LA.