Last Updated on May 23, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The Indiana Pacers have featured several elite rebounders throughout both their ABA and NBA history. From dominant interior players like Mel Daniels and Dale Davis to reliable modern-era big men like Jeff Foster and Jermaine O’Neal, rebounding has long been a major part of the franchise’s identity.

Here are the best Indiana Pacers rebounders in franchise history.

Mel Daniels

Position: Center
Years with Pacers: 1968–1974
Total Rebounds with Pacers: 7,643 (Franchise Record)

Achievements:

  • 2-time ABA champion
  • 2-time ABA MVP
  • 7-time ABA All-Star
  • Hall of Fame inductee
  • One of the greatest ABA players ever

Mel Daniels remains the greatest rebounder in Pacers franchise history. Dominating during the ABA era, Daniels controlled the paint with strength, toughness, and relentless rebounding ability.

He averaged double-digit rebounds throughout his Pacers career and played a major role in helping the franchise win multiple ABA championships.

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Dale Davis

Position: Forward/Center
Years with Pacers: 1991–2000, 2003–2005
Total Rebounds with Pacers: 6,006

Achievements:

  • NBA All-Star
  • Key starter on multiple Eastern Conference Finals teams
  • One of the toughest rebounders of the 1990s

Dale Davis built his reputation through physical defense and relentless rebounding. He was a consistent double-double threat during Indiana’s rise into a perennial Eastern Conference contender in the 1990s.

Davis ranks second in franchise history in rebounds and remains one of the most respected interior players the Pacers have ever had.

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Rik Smits

Position: Center
Years with Pacers: 1988–2000
Total Rebounds with Pacers: 5,277

Achievements:

  • NBA All-Star
  • Longtime starting center during Pacers playoff runs
  • One of the best international centers of his era

Rik Smits spent his entire NBA career with Indiana and became one of the franchise’s most reliable big men. Standing 7-foot-4, Smits used his size and positioning to consistently produce strong rebounding numbers.

His rebounding and interior scoring helped the Pacers become one of the Eastern Conference’s strongest teams during the 1990s.

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Jeff Foster

Position: Forward/Center
Years with Pacers: 1999–2012
Total Rebounds with Pacers: 5,248

Achievements:

  • One of the best offensive rebounders in franchise history
  • Spent entire NBA career with Indiana
  • Known for hustle and physical play

Jeff Foster was never a superstar scorer, but he became one of the league’s most respected role players because of his rebounding effort and toughness.

Foster consistently battled larger opponents and excelled at creating second-chance opportunities. His energy and rebounding helped define Indiana basketball during the 2000s.

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Jermaine O’Neal

Position: Forward/Center
Years with Pacers: 2000–2008
Total Rebounds with Pacers: 4,933

Achievements:

  • 6-time NBA All-Star
  • All-NBA selection
  • Most Improved Player award winner
  • One of the franchise’s best modern-era stars

Jermaine O’Neal became a dominant force after arriving in Indiana from Portland. He combined elite shot-blocking with strong rebounding and offensive production during his prime.

O’Neal posted several outstanding rebounding seasons and helped lead Indiana to some of the best records in the NBA during the early 2000s.

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Herb Williams

Position: Center
Years with Pacers: 1981–1989
Total Rebounds with Pacers: 4,494

Achievements:

  • Reliable long-term starting center
  • One of the most durable players in franchise history
  • Strong interior defender and rebounder

Herb Williams quietly became one of the most productive rebounders in Pacers history during the 1980s. His consistency and durability helped him steadily climb the franchise leaderboard.

Williams regularly controlled the defensive glass and provided physical interior play throughout his Indiana tenure.

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Domantas Sabonis

Position: Center/Forward
Years with Pacers: 2017–2022
Total Rebounds with Pacers: 3,271

Achievements:

  • Multiple-time NBA All-Star
  • One of the NBA’s best rebounders during his Pacers tenure
  • Elite passing big man

Domantas Sabonis became one of the league’s most productive rebounders while playing for Indiana. His combination of strength, positioning, and basketball IQ made him dominant on the glass.

Sabonis also owns some of the best single-season rebounding averages in Pacers history, including a franchise-best 12.4 rebounds per game during the 2019–20 season.

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