Indiana Pacers: 30 greatest players in franchise history

24. Derrick McKey

A totally defensive-minded wing, Derrick McKey was the embodiment of what you think of when you hear “Indiana Pacers basketball.” His skills on offense were largely limited in Indiana, posting single-digit points per game averages more often than not for the Pacers.

McKey, however, found other ways to shine and contribute for the Pacers. His tenacity guarding opponents was enough to land him on 2 All-Defensive second teams during his time with the Pacers.

He was also known for being a team player willing to do whatever it took to help his team get a victory. Truly, he was the exact type of guy the Pacers love to have on their rosters, and he stuck around town for 8 seasons.

While he was falling out of his prime at age 33 in the 1999-2000 season, McKey was still able to contribute a pretty meaningful nearly 20 minutes per game in 32 contests as the Pacers made their first and only ever run to the NBA Finals before falling short to Kobe, Shaq, and the rest of the Lakers in 6 games.

By no means was he the most important piece of the puzzle for Indy that season, but his veteran leadership surely played a larger role than the stat line showed that year.