The Indiana Pacers are a storied franchise, even though many casual NBA fans may not realize it. But back in the ABA days, the Pacers were a force to be reckoned with winning multiple ABA titles and appearing and many more of the championship games. And while in recent years the team has been unable to make it to the promised land of an NBA championship, the team is one of the most historically consistent playoff teams in the NBA.
And so we at @8pts9secs set off to see who were the greatest 50 Pacers players of all time? Some of the names you will know well. Some of the names you’ve maybe heard of, but don’t really know what they did. And some of the names you’ll believe have no business being on this list. But that’s the beauty of lists isn’t it? To timelessly debate ordering and greatness forever. And while the Pacers don’t have the player pedigree of some other franchises such as the LA Lakers, they do have some of the best players to ever suit up in the ranks of their previous players.
So before we get started we should clarify some things about this list. The list is reflective of what the player did in a Pacers uniform. There are many players on the list that had achieved much before they arrived in Indiana, and there are others who left the team and went on to do great things. However, it is what they did while in the Blue and Gold that lives on this list.
So without further adieu, the 50 greatest Indiana Pacers players of all time.
50. Bennedict Mathurin
- 1 season, 78 games
- 16.7 points per game
- 4.1 rebounds per game
I know, I know. Many of you will say that there is NO way that Mathurin after one season is already on this list. But go ahead and look to the next 50 players on the list. Look at how many games they played, and how successful they were. You will quickly realize that in one great season, Mathurin is already etching himself into Pacers lore. The fact that he had maybe the second greatest rookie season in Pacers history behind Clark Kellogg is enough to get him on this list. Are we a little too high on him? Probably. But do you blame us? Mathurin is a stud and will continue working his way up this list in time.
49. Rick Mount
- 2 seasons, 144 games
- 10.8 points
- 2.3 assists
Rick Mount will be familiar to many in the Hoosier state as one of the greatest Purdue Boilermakers of all time. His time in the NBA was less impressive however, with only 5 years in the ABA. His numbers aren’t all that impressive, however, he did help lead the Pacers to the 1972 ABA championship, something that few Pacers on this list have done. However, Mount will always be royalty in this state being from Lebanon and having accomplished so much in West Lafayette.
48. Stephen Jackson
- 3 seasons, 169 games.
- 16.6 points per game
- 3.9 rebounds per game
Stephen Jackson’s time in Indiana was likely cut short due to the issues after the Malice at the Palace. This is not unique to Jackson given that many Pacers players careers were upended during that event. However, Stephen was an excellent power forward during the Jermain O’Neal years and the final Reggie years, playing 3 total seasons with the Pacers. He was an excellent offensive player and not a bad defender either.
47. Ricky Sobers
- 2 seasons, 160 games
- 17.8 points per game
- 6.5 assists per game
Ricky Sobers wasn’t with the Pacers for long, 2 seasons, but he had his best seasons with the Indiana Pacers, averaging 18.2 points and 7.4 assists in the 77-78 season. While Ricky isn’t remembered by most Indiana fans, Slick Leonard would know just how valuable he was during his two year stretch before leaving for the Bulls in free agency.
46. Dan Roundfield
- 3 seasons, 207 games
- 10.9 points per game
- 7.6 rebounds per game
Dan Roundfield started his career with the Indiana Pacers as part of the ABA and was part of the Pacers team that transitioned to the NBA after the merger. The Pacers had him prior to when he was exceptional with Atlanta, where he would go on to be a 3 time All-Star, make an All-NBA team, and be a 5 time all defensive player. However, the forward out of Central Michigan was an excellent player that helped transition the Pacers to the NBA.
45. Byron Scott
- 2 seasons, 147 games
- 10.2 points per game
- 1.6 rebounds per game
Byron Scott is generally known as a Laker, where he spent significant amounts of time and won multiple championships. But he was an excellent piece for the Indiana Pacers, hitting a last-second shot against the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs in 1993. He was an excellent passer and shooter who will forever be known as a Laker, but had some good times in the Blue and Gold.
44. Malcolm Brogdon
- 3 seasons, 146 games
- 18.9 points per game
- 6.3 assists per game
Some may feel this is a bit premature to have Brogdon on the list, but they would be undervaluing how important Brogdon was in the transition between Oladipo and Haliburton. When brought in, he may been one of the bigger trade deadline pieces acquired by the pieces in franchise history with hopes that along with Victor they could become an elite backcourt. While injuries derailed most of his time, he was an excellent point guard and leader of the Pacers during his tenure.
43. Lance “Born Ready” Stephenson
- 7 seasons, 338 games
- 9.1 points per game
- 4.4 rebounds per game
Air guitars? Check. Taunting the best player on the planet? Check. Born ready? Absolutely. Lance Stephenson was likely one of the most fun Pacers to ever put on the blue and gold. While the numbers don’t jump off the page, no one can quite quantify the energy and confidence that Lance brought to the floor. What could have been if he hadn’t left in free agency.
42. Thaddeus Young
- 3 season, 236 games
- 11.8 points per game
- 6.3 rebounds per game
An unquestioned leader during his time in Indiana, Thad Young was the last true power forward that the Pacers have had, a position they continue to seek. While Young didn’t have the talent to wow anyone, he was a consistent player on and off the court and a veteran that younger players could look up to.
41. Chris Mullin
- 3 seasons, 179 games
- 9.4 points per game
- 2.7 assists per game
The best years of Chris Mullin’s career were long before he arrive in Indiana, playing at an all-star level for five years straight during his time in Golden State. However, Mullin added toughness and offense to a team that already featured the great Reggie Miller. He eventually would head back to Golden State to finish his career with the Warriors.
40. Mike Dunleavy
- 5 seasons, 271 games
- 14 points per game
- 4.6 rebounds per game
Mike Dunleavy never made an all-star team. He never made an All-NBA team nor did he really win any awards. But what Mike Dunleavy did, was play solid basketball consistently for 5 years with the Pacers. He was an offensive talent that the Pacers got after he had played multiple seasons with the Golden State Warriors, but his best seasons were in Indiana playing more of a guard role. While injuries impacted his career, he ultimately was an excellent piece to the Pacers teams during some of the more difficult years for the franchise.
39. Jamaal Tinsley
- 7 seasons, 398 games
- 10.4 points per game
- 7.0 assists per game
One of the better point guards that the Pacers have ever had, he ultimately ran the point after Mark Jackson left the franchise for almost a decade. While the Malice at the Palace derailed his career a bit, he was a true point guard with an ability to distribute the ball around the court. His connection with Jermaine O’Neal was undeniable and he played for some of the better Pacers teams in their time in the NBA.
38. Darren Collison
- 4 seasons, 284 games
- 11.9 points per game
- 5.3 assists per game
Darren Collison played two stints for the Pacers, playing with the team from 10-12 and from 17-19, deciding to retire early after the 2018-19 season. In 2017-18 with the Pacers he lead the entire league in 3 point field goal percentage, a remarkable achievement. Efficient and reliable sum up Collison’s time in Indiana, who was able to stay healthy nearly his entire time in Indy.
37. James Edwards
- 4 seasons, 303 games
- 15.9 points per game
- 7.5 rebound per game
If the stats didn’t communicate it well enough, James Edwards was an offensive talent during his time in the NBA. He had an incredibly long career playing into his forties. He was a 3x NBA champion, although none with the Pacers. He was an iron man of a player leading the league in games played twice while in Indiana. And while his time in Indiana may not be something you have heard about, just know, the center was a dominate force during his time in Indiana.
36. Darnell Hillman
- 6 seasons, 477 games
- 10.6 points per game
- 8.4 rebounds per game
A center/power forward that played for both the ABA Pacers and the NBA Pacers winning the ABA Championship 2 times. For those of you how love Myles Turner, you would have loved Darnell Hillman who consistently was a good offensive player along with being one of the most elite shot blockers in the league. Another player that Pacers fans should pay tribute to who laid the foundation for the switch to the NBA.
35. Travis Best
- 7 seasons, 469 games
- 8.1 points per game
- 3.8 assists per game
Travis Best was never going to make the hall of fame. He never led the league in any statistical category. He never made an all-star team and he never won any of the important NBA awards. By many standards, Travis Best was just an average Indiana Player. But Pacers fans know how important Best was to the finals team as well as multiple playoff runs for the Pacers. He brought energy night in and night out and backed up Mark Jackson at the point guard position.
34. Bill Keller
- 7 seasons, 556 games
- 11.8 points per game
- 3.6 assists per game
Bill Keller was an important piece to the ABA championship teams, helping the Pacers capture three of them. One of the important distinctions for Bill Keller is that he never suited up for another ABA or NBA squad and was a Pacer from the beginning to end of his career. He led the ABA in free throw percentage at one point as well as led the ABA in 3 point field goals for three years in a row. An early adopter of the 3 point shot, Keller was able to often dial in from deep.
33. Antonio Davis
- 6 seasons, 420 games
- 9 points per game
- 6.6 rebounds per game
The first half of the Davis brothers! Antonio played power forward for much of his time in Indiana, and while he wouldn’t make an all-star team until after he left Indiana, he was an iron-man of a player during the 90s playing in every game of the season 3 times (and 81 once!) while he was here. Antonio was a staple in the 90s, and was a great dunker as well.
32. Ron Artest
- 5 seasons, 193 games
- 16.5 points per game
- 5.2 rebounds per game
A bitter feeling will overcome many Pacers fans when they see Ron Artest this high on the list. Did he potentially ruin the best chance the Pacers have had to with an NBA title? Perhaps. But Artest in the 2003-2004 season had one of the best individual season in Pacers history, making the All-NBA teams, All-Defensive Team, and winning Defensive Player of the Year. If only that could have all come with a bit more of a fuse he would likely be much higher on this list.
31. Austin Croshere
- 9 seasons, 540 games
- 7.5 points per game
- 4.3 rebounds per game
Austin was a Pacers staple for nearly a decade. While he never made an all-star team, Croshere had some great playoff moments in his career, especially with his shooting, becoming quite a good 3 point shooter part of the way through his career. From a talent standpoint? Probably shouldn’t be this high on the list. But from a longevity standpoint? Croshere gave much of his career to the Indiana franchise.
30. Derrick McKey
- 8 seasons, 450 games
- 8.8 points per game
- 4.4 rebounds per game
McKey played in Seattle for 6 seasons before he arrived in Indiana, where he would stay the majority of his career. He was an excellent defender and was a central piece to all of the 90s playoffs teams that battled with the Knicks and Bulls. Again, he was never a total standout. Never really led the league in any statistic nor made an all-star team. However, he was consistent, stayed in Indiana, and saw a lot of playoff success in his time here.
29. Tyrese Haliburton
- 2 seasons, 82 games
- 19.7 points per game
- 10.2 assists per game
Does he need an introduction? He is on the trajectory to be near the top of this list when it is all over. He might be the best point guard the Pacers have ever had full of promise as he looks forward in his career. He’s this low because of lack of longevity, but my guess is this time next year he will be up another 10 or so spots on the list. One of the best trades the Pacers have ever made in my opinion, although we had to give up another Pacers all-timer to get him here. Tyrese has a lot of his Pacers legacy still to write.
28. Steve Stipanovich
- 5 seasons, 403 games
- 13.2 points per game
- 7.8 rebounds per game
Stipanovich was a promising career that was cut short. He probably could have ended up much higher on this list if not the knee problems that cut his career extremely short. But even in his short time in Indiana, he consistently averaged over 12 points per game and 7 rebounds, a pretty good mark especially for someone right from the get-go of their NBA career. He made an All-Rookie team and was a good defender. There is nothing bad to say other than, what could have been?
27. George Hill
- 6 seasons, 330 games
- 12.1 points per game
- 3.8 assists per game
The lead point guard for the Paul George-led eastern conference finals runs, George Hill was an excellent all-around point guard. He was a great shooter and had excellent court vision (and he’s back to mentor the young Haliburton). A local legend with IUPUI, George Hill will always have a special place in Pacers history.
26. Troy Murphy
- 4 seasons, 262 games
- 13.3 points per game
- 9.2 rebounds per game
Troy Murphy played for the Pacers during their down years, after the glory years of Reggie Miller and prior to the arrival of Paul George. However, he played at an excellent level while he was here, nearly averaging a triple double. He was also an excellent three point shooter, have the 3rd highest percentage in the NBA during the 08-09 season. Our fans new him well from his days at Notre Dame and so it was a natural fit that he be a Pacer, even if just for awhile.
25. Victor Oladipo
- 4 seasons, 139 career games
- 20.6 points per game
- 5.2 rebounds per game
It started as furiously as it ended when Vic was traded from OKC to Indiana. He immediately saw success and was a 2 time all-star. It looked like Oladipo was here to stay and that he would be the franchise player for years to come. However, injuries and a growing divide between Oladipo and the franchise led to Oladipo being trade to Houston after 4 seasons. For a brief moment there however, Oladipo had a few of the best offensive seasons ever witnessed in Pacers uniform. And some amazing last second shots!
24. Jalen Rose
- 6 seasons, 402 games
- 14.2 points per game
- 3.6 rebounds
Long before he was an analyst for ESPN, Jalen Rose was an elite offensive talent for the Indiana Pacers. For multiple years he played Robin to Reggie’s Batman. We saw much playoff success while Rose was with the team, and although he played in many places throughout his career, his longest and most successful stint was with the Pacers. Keep the hot takes coming Jalen, we love seeing where you have taken your career.
23. Herb Williams
- 8 seasons, 577 games
- 15 points per game
- 7.8 rebounds per game
Herb Williams played for the Pacers from 1981-1989, being one of the best centers in franchise history. He eventually was traded to the Mavericks for Detlef Schrempf and a pick that later became Antonio Davis (who we’ve already seen). What can be said about Herb Williams? He was consistent (never played fewer than 69 games in a Pacers uniform for a full season and usually averaged high 70s). He was efficient with the basketball and played well on both sides of the floor. And while fans today don’t probably remember Herb Williams, he is absolutely deserving to be this high on the list.
22. Clark Kellogg
- 6 seasons, 260 games
- 18.9 points per game
- 9.5 rebounds per game
Another would of, should of, could of type of situation. Clark Kellogg was an AWESOME basketball player. As a rookie? He averaged 20.1 point per game, still the Pacers record. He never averaged less than 17.6 points per game in a full season with the Pacers and was a great rebounder as well. He likely would be a top-5 Pacer if he could have just stayed healthy, with knee injuries forcing him out of the league. Of course, you can catch Clark as an excellent college basketball announcer these days, so the world still gets a bit of the magic.
21. Chuck Person
- 6 seasons, 479 games
- 19 points per game
- 6.3 rebounds per game
A Pacers forward in the late 80s, Chuck Person was an offensive force. He made the All-Rookie team in the 86-87 season, largely on his ability on the offensive end. He was a good defender and an excellent 3 point shooter for his time, being known as “The Rifleman” around the NBA. He eventually was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves where he would never quite be the same player again. But 19 points a game over 6 seasons? Chuck Person could light up a scoreboard.
20. David West
- 4 seasons, 285 games
- 14 points per game
- 7 rebounds per game
Likely one of, if not, the best free agent that the Pacers have every signed, David West came to Indiana after a long stint with the Hornets including 2 all-star seasons. He was the veteran leader of the Eastern Conference Finals teams that went up against the superteams of LeBron, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. In back to back seasons the Pacers were able to take the Heat to near elimination only to falter at the last moment. He wasn’t able to win one with Indiana but eventually got a few titles with the Steph Curry-led Golden State Warriors.
19. Don Buse
- 7 seasons, 539 games
- 7.7 points per game
- 5.1 assists per game
It doesn’t show up in the statistics, but Don Buse was an excellent guard for the Pacers. In the 75-76 season, he led the ABA in both assists (8.2) and steals (4.1), showing an excellent ability as a two-way player. Then when the Pacers merged into the NBA the following season? He led the NBA in both assists (8.5) and steals (3.5) again. He made the all-star team in both seasons and was one of if not the best point guard the Pacers have ever had (Haliburton will likely look to change this).
18. Myles Turner
- 8 seasons, 493 games
- 13.4 points per game
- 2.3 blocks per game
A player we often fail to appreciate but who has done so much for the Pacers is Myles Turner. Some will think he shouldn’t be this high on the list, and maybe they are right. But he has already played 8 seasons with the Pacers and just signed on for two more. He has twice led the league in blocked shots and consistently been one of the best shot blockers in the league. And while his tenure has been full of trade rumors, it sometimes allows us to miss just how great and important Turner has been for nearly a decade of Pacers basketball.
17. Roy Hibbert
- 7 seasons, 533 games
- 11.1 points per game
- 6.8 rebounds per game
Roy Hibbert, at his peak, was one of the best centers in the league. A two-time all-star and defensive presence for a Pacers team that made the Eastern Conference Finals two years in a row. Hibbert had an ability to change shots at the rim and guard the paint for a Pacers team that already boasted David West and Paul George as defensive minded players. Perhaps the greatest defensive five the Pacers ever put onto the court.
16. Freddie Lewis
- 8 seasons, 575 games
- 16.1 points per game
- 4 assists per game
Freddie Lewis was and offensive minded guard that was able to put up relatively big scoring numbers averaging over 20 points per game in his best season with Indiana. He was able to draw fouls and get to the line, having the 2nd most free throw attempts in ABA history. And most importantly, led the ABA Pacers to multiple ABA championships being part of the most winning Pacers teams of all time.
15. Mark Jackson
- 6 seasons, 405 games
- 8.4 points per game
- 8.1 assists per game
This was Reggie Miller’s point guard and the point guard that led the team through much of the success of the 90s. He led the league in assists at 11.4 in 1996-97 and was very much a pass-first point guard. And while many of today’s youth may know him for his coaching and announcing work, they wouldn’t know how excellent Mark was in the playoffs, being 5th all time in assist percentage in the playoffs behind Stockton, Magic, Rondo, and CP3. Those are some big-time names, and Mark Jackson was a big-time player.
14. Detlef Schrempf
- 5 seasons, 354 games
- 17 points per game
- 8.6 rebounds per game
A name that many may not remember if you are newer to Pacers fandom would the Detlef Schrempf, but don’t let that fool you, the guy was an amazing ball player. At small foward, Detlef was the total package being able to score, rebounds, and even assist at a high level. He led the league in offensive rating a few years after leaving the Pacers in 1994-95. In Indiana, his Pacers teams didn’t have the most amount of success losing in the first round of the eastern conference playoffs every year he was with the team. However, he would go on to do some amazing things with the Seattle Supersonics.
13. Domantas Sabonis
- 5 seasons, 319 games
- 16.3 points per game
- 10.5 rebounds per game
Our first player on the list to average a double-double during his entire tenure with the Pacers, Sabonis is another player that will likely be underappreciated by many Pacers fans. The son of a legend, not much was expected of Domas when he arrived, but man did he over deliver. A two time All-Star with the Pacers and excellent passing big-man, Sabonis is an excellent basketball player and one of the top 15 players the Pacers have ever had.
12. Vern Fleming
- 11 seasons, 816 games
- 11.7 points per game
- 4.9 rebounds per game
Vern was going to make this list just by virtue of how long he played for the Pacers. 11 seasons? If you look back through this list you will see that amount of time with the Pacers is RARE. And while Vern has no all-star teams and not a lot of accolades, for over a decade Vern Fleming played solid basketball for the Indiana Pacers. Was he the most talented offensively on this list? Absolutely not. Was he the best defender on the list? Nope. Did he show up to work every year and compete at a high level for the Pacers for over a decade? Absolutely. And not many players on this list can say that.
11. Dale Davis
- 10 seasons, 671 games
- 9.3 points per game
- 9.0 rebounds per game
Dale Davis usually wasn’t the tallest person on the court, but man could the guy rebound. And he was an solid offensive player as well. He routinely was in the top 25 in offensive rebounds for the entire league. He also was an underrate shot blocker finishing high in league year after year. His career playoff offensive rebounding percentage is 6th all time behind Moses Malone, Dennis Rodman, Tristan Thompson, Roy Hibbert, and Tyson Chandler. He eventually would be traded to the Portland Trailblazers for a player we have yet to see on this list.
10. Bob Netolicky
- 8 seasons, 515 games
- 15.7 points per game
- 8.9 rebounds per game
Bob Netolicky was one of the best centers in franchise history making four-straight ABA all-star teams from 1967-1971. His best season saw him average over 20 points a game in the 1069-70 season. And while Netolicky would never suit up in the Blue and Gold in the NBA, he was a foundational member to the Pacers ABA championship teams, of which he won two of them. Additionally he was on the 67-68 all rookie team for the ABA. In 1996 he was named to the ABA All-Time team.
9. Rik Smits
- 12 seasons, 867 games
- 14.8 points per game
- 6.1 rebounds per game
Did Rik Smits have flash? Nope. Did he have multiple All-NBA accolades? No. Did Rik Smit consistently play high level basketball for the Pacers for 12 years? You bet he did. He made one all-star team in 1997-98, but beyond that the national noise around Smits wasn’t anything to write home about. But the kid from the Netherlands, or Dunking Dutchman, anchored Pacers teams in the paint for other a decade with highly efficient basketball and shooting (career 51% FG). He had some injury problems later in his career, but overall, Smits was an integral piece to the great 90s Pacers teams.
8. Danny Granger
- 9 seasons, 544 games
- 17.6 points per game
- 5.1 rebounds per game
Danny Granger showed up shortly after Reggie Miller retired and took the torch as he pushed the Pacers forward into their next era. He only made one all-star team, but Granger was one of the best scorers the Pacers have ever had (averaged 25.8 points per game in 08-09 and 24.1 points per game in 09-10). The biggest knock against Granger is a lack of postseason success, as the majority of his time in Indiana the team didn’t make the playoffs and when they did, they typically lost in the first round. But those of us who watched know what Granger was capable of. A leader on the floor that gave much of his career to help resurrect the Pacers from the tailspin after the Malice at the Palace. And he would see the Pacers once more rising in talent as the Paul George crew was in full force by the time he left.
7. Billy Knight
- 8 seasons, 585 games
- 18.4 points per game
- 5.9 rebounds per game
Billy Knight was a 3 time all-star (1 ABA, 2 NBA) and made the all-ABA team once. He played for the Pacers in both the ABA and the NBA. He was an extreme offensive talent, averaging 28.1 points in the final year of the ABA and 26.6 points in the first year of the NBA. He was also an excellent rebounder for a shooting guard/small forward of his size. He is the only player in NBA/ABA history to not be in the hall of fame and average 28 points and 10 rebounds in a season (joining names such as Wilt Chamberlin, Shaquille O’Neal, and David Robinson).
6. Roger Brown
- 8 seasons, 559 games
- 18 points per game
- 6.5 rebounds per game
We finally get to another hall of fame player in Roger Brown. Brown as a small forward who played his whole career in the ABA. He made 4 all-star teams and won 3 championships with the Pacers as a focal point of the ABA Pacers offense. 3 times he made the All-ABA team and four times recieved votes for MVP of the ABA. He is 10th in career points in the ABA, 10 in career assists in the ABA, and has the most career ABA playoff field goals. He was a staple in the ABA as one of their best players and it showed in both regular and postseason performance. He was also named to the all-time ABA team.
5. George McGinnis
- 7 seasons, 487 games
- 19.6 points per game
- 10.7 rebounds per game
We have another player to average a double-double for his entire career with the Pacers and a hall-of-famer, George McGinnis. McGinnis made 6 all-star teams and was a dominant force in both the ABA and NBA, although his standout time with the Pacers was really in the ABA. In 74-75 he was the ABA MVP with the Indiana Pacers and made numerous all-league teams, 2x all-NBA and 3x all-ABA. Surely one of the greatest Pacers to ever suit up and might even have some argument to be much higher on this list than he already is.
4. Paul George
- 7 seasons, 448 games
- 18.1 points per game
- 6.3 rebounds per game
Is he the most talented Pacer ever? Some might say so. But Paul George is one of the best Pacers to ever step on a court, few would doubt this statement. Him dunking over Lebron in the Eastern Conference Finals? A memory for a lifetime. In Indiana, Paul George made 4 all-star teams and has since made 4 more. 6 times he has made the All-NBA team and 4 times he has made the all-defensive team, just to show how much of a two-way talent he is. His time ended in less than a stellar fashion after he publicly requested a trade. But those are the times we live in are they not?
3. Mel Daniels
- 6 seasons, 479 games
- 19.4 points per game
- 16 rebounds per game
You read that right, Mel Daniels averaged almost 20 points per game and just over 16 rebounds per game over six seasons. 3 times he was the ABA league leader in rebounds with his best season coming at 18 rebounds per game in 70-71. He is a hall-of-famer and a 7 time ABA All-Star. And just to save you the effort, we here list his accomplishments in bullet form:
- 7x all-star
- 3x ABA champ
- 5x All-ABA
- 67-68 Rookie of the Year (ABA)
- 2x ABA MVP
- 70-71 All-Star MVP
- ABA All-time team
He never quite worked out well in the NBA after the merger, but for a time in the ABA the Pacers had the best basketball player on the planet and his name was Mel Daniels. Remember that.
2. Jermaine O’Neal
- 8 seasons, 514 games
- 18.6 points per game
- 9.6 rebounds per game
Perhaps it’s just recency bias, but Jermaine O’Neal might have been one of the most dominate Pacers players that most of us have seen. Six times he made the all-star team as a Pacer and 3 times was All-NBA. But that feels like it doesn’t tell the whole story. When O’Neal came from Portland, many didn’t realize the player the Pacers were about to get. Arguably the best player on the Pacers in the early 2000’s, O’Neal led a renaissance of the Pacers in the back half of Reggie’s career. Had it not been for the Malice at the Palace, the Pacers were poised as the best team in the NBA in 2004 -05 season and very well would have won the NBA title that year. Jermaine would make a few more all-star teams after that, but it always felt like that event really derailed his career. He would go on to play for multiple other NBA franchises, but never again saw the success that he had in Indiana.
1. Reggie Miller
- 18 seasons, 1389 games
- 18.2 points per game
- 3 rebounds per game
Do most of Reggie Miller‘s numbers stand out? A few. He 3 times led the league in free throw percentage. He was a 5 time all-star and 3 time all-NBA player. He was the only Pacer to make the NBA 75th anniversary all-time team (a travesty to the ABA players if you ask me). But what made Reggie great? He had the biggest clutch gene of any player I’ve ever seen and went toe to toe with players like Michael Jordan that clearly were better than him. But no challenge was too big for Miller who always showed up when it matter the most. For nearly two decades Reggie Miller was the face of Pacers basketball. And since the Pacers have yet to find a player that so embodies Pacers basketball as Miller. Underdog. Under-appreciated. Often over-looked.
But here in Indiana? Miller is royalty and always will be.
What do you think about our list? Who should be higher or lower? Let us know in the comments below!
History Lesson: The Indiana Pacers were elite in the ABA
The Indiana Pacers have been a good, but not necessarily elite, NBA franchise in their time in the NBA. But they were elite in the ABA.