In 1987, the Pacers selected Reggie Miller with the 11th pick in the draft, upsetting many local Hoosier fans who wanted the team to take local hero Steve Alford. It is the most famous moment in Pacers´ history.
But that`s just what it is: history.
It doesn`t have any connection to the current team, whereas the last few drafts are what have shaped the current squad and (re)built the team culture since the 2004 Malice in the Palace and the subsequent off-court problems submarined interest in the Pacers.
Last night may have been a big disappointment to Pacers` fans (Larry Bird sold the 57th pick), but it was unlikely that a late second rounder would ever have amounted to anything anyway.
No, the state of this current team has largely been created by what has happened in the draft over the past 10 years.
Which of those drafts have proven the best and worst for Indiana?
We offer a definitive ranking here.