Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team competing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division in the Eastern Conference. Based in Indianapolis, they play their home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Indiana Pacers stand as one of basketball’s most storied franchises, with a legacy spanning both the ABA and NBA eras. Here’s a comprehensive overview of their notable achievements and honored figures:
Major Achievements
- Three ABA Championships (1970, 1972, 1973)
- Five ABA Finals appearances (record for the league)
- NBA Eastern Conference Championship (2000)
- Nine division titles across both leagues
- Overall franchise record of 2388-2278 (.512 winning percentage)
- 37 playoff appearances (28 NBA, 9 ABA)
Retired Numbers
The Pacers have immortalized four legendary players by retiring their jersey numbers:
- #30 – George McGinnis: A dominant force who averaged 19.6 points and 10.7 rebounds over 487 games with the Pacers. His MVP season in 1974-75 showcased his incredible versatility with 29.8 points, 14.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2.6 steals per game.
- #31 – Reggie Miller: The franchise’s most iconic player, who spent his entire 18-year career with Indiana. Known for revolutionizing three-point shooting, he earned five All-Star selections and led the league in free-throw percentage five times. He retired with impressive averages of 18.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over 1,389 games.
- #34 – Mel Daniels: A powerhouse in the ABA era, Daniels dominated the boards with averages of 19.4 points and 16.0 rebounds over 479 games. His incredible debut season with the Pacers featured 24.0 points and 16.5 rebounds per game, earning him MVP honors.
- #35 – Roger Brown: An ABA legend who spent his entire career in the league. Known for his remarkable endurance, he recorded two seasons averaging over 41 minutes per game. His best statistical season came in 1969-70, when he posted 23.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Over 559 games with the Pacers, he maintained averages of 18.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
Hall of Fame Members
The Pacers boast an impressive collection of Hall of Fame talent:
Players:
- Reggie Miller
- Chris Mullin
- Alex English
- Mel Daniels
- Roger Brown
- George McGinnis
- Adrian Dantley
- Gus Johnson
- Tim Hardaway
Coaches:
- Bobby “Slick” Leonard
- Jack Ramsay
- Larry Brown
The franchise’s international influence extends beyond traditional NBA recognition, with players like Reggie Miller, Detlef Schrempf, and Peja Stojaković in the FIBA Hall of Fame, and Šarūnas Jasikevičius in the EuroLeague Hall of Fame.