Indiana Pacers: 10 best point guards in franchise history

2. Don Buse

Don Buse grew up in Indiana, becoming a high school All-Star in 1968. His tenure with the Pacers is somewhat confusing.

Ultimately, Buse played 7 years with the Pacers. The first four were with the ABA team (where he was a part of the most recent franchise championship in 1973), then he played one year with the Pacers in their first year in the NBA. He played three seasons for the Phoenix Suns after that but returned to the Pacers for two more seasons following his tenure in Phoenix.

Buse was a role player in the days just following the team’s title-winning years. Buse’s peak was in the final ABA season and debut NBA season, in which he led the league in steals and assists per game both years.

In Indiana’s first year in the NBA, Buse averaged 8.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 3.5 steals per game. Though his outside shot would wane in and out, Buse would max at 38.6 percent shooting beyond the arc in the 1982 season with the Pacers.

Making his way in the league with strong defense, Buse ended up playing on two All-Star teams and was named to six All-Defensive teams, as well.

Ultimately, Buse would be traded for two weeks of contract work from an opposing team’s marketing guru.

Buse was high-class, though, and a great talent that stood out. Had he been surrounded by more talented teammates, he could have helped the Pacers excel in the 80s.