The Indiana Pacers were founded in 1967 as a charter member of the ABA and transitioned to the NBA in 1976. The franchise dons the signature navy blue and gold. They play their home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis.
The Pacers established a dynasty with three ABA titles in four years during the 1970s (1970, 1972, 1973) and a trip to the 2000 Finals. Herb Simon has owned the team since 1983, making him the longest-tenured owner in the league.
Reggie Miller, George McGinnis, Mel Daniels, and Tyrese Haliburton are among the generational greats who have graced Indiana basketball. Here are the 10 greatest Indiana Pacers players in franchise history.
List of Top 10 Greatest Indiana Pacers Players of All Time
10. Vern Fleming
Vern Fleming played for the Pacers from 1984 to 1995, appearing in 816 games and averaging 11.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. He shot 49.1% from the field and 77.4% from the free-throw line. Fleming recorded 10,125 points, 4,038 assists, 2,940 rebounds, and 859 steals during his Pacers tenure. He ranks third in franchise history in total assists, fourth in games played, and fifth in steals.
9. Dale Davis
Dale Davis played for the Pacers from 1991 to 2000, averaging 9.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. He shot 52.3% from the field and recorded 8,147 points, 8,828 rebounds, and 953 blocks with Indiana. He was selected as an NBA All-Star in 2000. Davis ranks second in franchise history in total rebounds and third in blocks.
8. George McGinnis
McGinnis played for the Pacers from 1971 to 1975, averaging 19.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. He was a key piece in the Pacers’ ABA championship runs in 1972 and 1973 and was the ABA MVP in 1975.
A physical forward with great scoring and rebounding ability, McGinnis transitioned to the NBA and became an All-Star there as well. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017, and his No. 30 jersey is retired by Indiana.
7. Chuck Person
Chuck Person played for the Pacers from 1986 to 1992, averaging 19.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1987. He shot 36.2% from three-point range and 45.8% from the field during his Pacers tenure.
Person totaled 9,786 points, 3,252 rebounds, and 1,826 assists with Indiana. He ranks fourth in franchise history in scoring and third in three-pointers made (684) at the time of his departure.
6. Rik Smits
Rik Smits played for the Pacers from 1988 to 2000, appearing in 867 games and averaging 14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. He shot 50.7% from the field and 77.3% from the free-throw line. Smits totaled 12,871 points, 5,277 rebounds, and 1,111 blocks, ranking second in franchise history in blocks and fourth in points. He was selected as an NBA All-Star in 1998 and had seven seasons averaging at least 15 points per game.
5. Roger Brown
Roger Brown played for the Indiana Pacers from 1967 to 1974, averaging 18.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He led Indiana to three ABA championships (1970, 1972, 1973) and won the ABA Playoffs MVP honor in 1970. A three-time All-ABA selection, Brown was a smooth scorer with an ability to take over games. He was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2013.
4. Paul George
George played for Indiana from 2010 to 2017, averaging 18.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. A four-time NBA All-Star with the Pacers, he clinched the Most Improved Player award in 2013. He helped lead the team to consecutive Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014, battling LeBron James’ Miami Heat. George was selected to three All-NBA teams and multiple All-Defensive teams during his time in Indiana.
3. Jermaine O’Neal
O’Neal played for the Pacers from 2000 to 2008, averaging 18.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. A six-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, he was the defensive anchor of the team in the early 2000s. O’Neal helped lead Indiana to the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals, finishing with the best record in the league (61–21).
2. Mel Daniels
A dominant force in the ABA era, Daniels played for the Pacers from 1968 to 1974, averaging 19.4 points and 16.0 rebounds per game. He was a two-time ABA MVP (1969, 1971) and led Indiana to three ABA championships (1970, 1972, 1973).
A seven-time ABA All-Star and a three-time rebounding champion, Daniels was the backbone of the Pacers’ early success. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. The Pacers retired his No. 34 jersey.
Who is the Greatest Indiana Pacers Player in Franchise History?
Reggie Miller is considered the greatest Indiana Pacers player of all time. He spent his entire 18-year NBA career (1987–2005) with the Pacers. Miller averaged 18.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. He was a five-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA Third Team selection.
He was known for his elite three-point shooting, retiring as the NBA‘s all-time leader in three-pointers made (2,560) at the time. Miller led Indiana to five Eastern Conference Finals appearances and the 2000 NBA Finals, but never won a championship.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 Cleveland Cavaliers Players in NBA History ft. LeBron James
No. They won three ABA titles but are still searching for their first NBA championship.
Reggie Miller. He scored 25,279 points and is considered one of the best shooters ever.
Racing. It honors the pace cars used in the Indy 500 and the state’s harness racing history.
Slick Leonard. He led the team to three titles and coined the famous “Boom Baby!” catchphrase.
A playoff tradition. Fans wear gold shirts to create a “sea of gold” and support the team during home games.
