Five Things Every Pacers Fan Should Want
By Jared Wade
Being a Pacers fan for the past, oh say, seven years has been pretty rough. But recent surveys (more on this in the future), not to mention the team’s valiant, even if unsuccessful, five-game series against the Bulls, suggest that Hoosiers are coming back around on this franchise. People are once again becoming engaged in rooting for a squad that, after much embarrassment and mediocrity (at best), once again looks to be on the right course.
How this summer plays out — including who becomes coach, which free agents are signed, who the team drafts and, most importantly, what happens with the Collective Bargaining Agreement — will have a big effect on the long-term future, but things certainly look to be headed up.
So it’s time for every Pacer fan to re-engage with the team.
Here are five things you might want to consider tracking down to show your support.
#5. This Amazing Basketball Card
It’s been far too long since I have checked in with our good friend Fat Shawn Kemp. He routinely posts fantastic sports cards, posters and otherwise fantastic images from yesteryear. I was about to link to this Reggie/Detlef/Fleming/Dreiling doozy. But then I saw the one above. They just don’t make them like that. It’s a veritable “who’s who?” of “who’s that?” If you can find this card, buy it.
#4. Pacers Hard Hat
Popularized by sign man Matt Ason (seen here sans hard hat with Bill Walton), this one is just a 90s’ Pacers classic. It also will protect you if you happen to find yourself in any of the first five rows while Dahntay Jones is attempting three-points. Pick up your Pacers hard hat here.
#3. Larry Bird “The Pace Setter”
I have no idea what this is. But I found it on eBay recently and think it’s wonderful. Kind of reminds me of the George Costanza pose from Seinfeld, but I’m not sure why. Here’s what the the description says: “This is a limited edition Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics print called “The Pacesetter”. It is signed by the artist David Taylor. You also get the paperwork with this that tells how many were made and the original selling price which was very expensive.” Paperwork included? Go place your bid now.
#2. Bobbleheads
I recently got the Jeff Foster one and my life hasn’t been the same since. We eat breakfast together at my desk most mornings. His head bobbles and he has a creepy smile that shouldn’t be allowed within 500 yards of a school. Go here to pick up Jeff, Danny Granger, Tyler Hansbrough, Paul George, Darren Collison or Roy Hibbert (who looks more like a member of New Edition than the Pacers).
#1. ABA Pacers Pennant
Most people won’t remember — and I wasn’t alive — but the Pacers were once champions. The 1970s were a crazier time, and the recent resurgence to playoff status by no means means that they are anywhere approaching that again in the new future. But Indiana fans can dream. And while they dream, they can wave around a pennant that has a guy dunking a tennis ball on it. This, too, can be yours if you head over here. (Even if Google doesn’t believe you actually want one. “Did you mean: packers pennant?” Oh, Google.)