Starting with the Buffalo Braves, Dantley quickly established himself as an offensive force. His signature move - a flat-footed, fadeaway mid-range jumper - was nearly unstoppable, leading him to two scoring titles (1981, 1984) and an average of 24.3 points per game throughout his career. His accuracy was unmatched, boasting a career field goal percentage of 54.0%, ranking him 16th in NBA history.

Dantley wasn't just a scorer; he was a well-rounded player. He averaged 5.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, displaying a complete skillset. His dedication to conditioning fueled his longevity, allowing him to lead the league in free throws six times and rank ninth all-time in that category.

Despite individual accolades, championship glory eluded him. His closest shot came with the Detroit Pistons, reaching the 1988 Eastern Conference Finals. Still, he earned six All-Star selections and two All-NBA selections, solidifying his place among the elite.