Last Updated on December 22, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

The Indiana Pacers have a rich history, spanning their early dominance in the ABA to becoming a consistent contender in the NBA. Here are the most notable legends and figures in the Pacers’ history:

ABA Legends

The Pacers were one of the most successful franchises in the ABA, winning three championships (1970, 1972, 1973). These players were pivotal during that era:

1. Mel Daniels

  • Position: Center
  • Years with Pacers: 1968–1974
  • Key Achievements:
    • 2× ABA MVP (1969, 1971)
    • 7× ABA All-Star
    • 3× ABA Champion (1970, 1972, 1973)
    • ABA all-time leader in rebounds.
    • Jersey No. 34 retired by the Pacers.

2. Roger Brown

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years with Pacers: 1967–1974
  • Key Achievements:
    • 3× ABA Champion (1970, 1972, 1973)
    • ABA Playoffs MVP (1970)
    • Known for his scoring and clutch performances.
    • Jersey No. 35 retired by the Pacers.

3. George McGinnis

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Years with Pacers: 1971–1975, 1980–1982
  • Key Achievements:
    • ABA Co-MVP (1975)
    • 2× ABA Champion (1972, 1973)
    • 3× ABA All-Star
    • Known for his versatility, rebounding, and scoring prowess.

NBA Legends

The Pacers transitioned into the NBA in 1976. Since then, they’ve had numerous iconic players:

4. Reggie Miller

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Years with Pacers: 1987–2005
  • Key Achievements:
    • 5× NBA All-Star
    • All-NBA Third Team (1995, 1996, 1998)
    • NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made at the time of his retirement.
    • Led the Pacers to their only NBA Finals appearance (2000).
    • Jersey No. 31 retired by the Pacers.
    • Known as one of the greatest clutch shooters in NBA history.

5. Jermaine O’Neal

  • Position: Power Forward/Center
  • Years with Pacers: 2000–2008
  • Key Achievements:
    • 6× NBA All-Star (2002–2007)
    • 3× All-NBA Team selections (2 Second Team, 1 Third Team)
    • NBA Most Improved Player (2002)
    • Anchored the Pacers’ defense during their playoff runs in the early 2000s.

6. Paul George

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years with Pacers: 2010–2017
  • Key Achievements:
    • 4× NBA All-Star with the Pacers (2013–2016)
    • 3× All-NBA Third Team (2013, 2014, 2016)
    • 3× NBA All-Defensive Team selections (2013, 2014, 2016)
    • Led the Pacers to consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances (2013, 2014).

7. Detlef Schrempf

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years with Pacers: 1989–1993
  • Key Achievements:
    • 2× NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1991, 1992)
    • Known for his all-around game and efficiency during his Pacers tenure.

8. Mark Jackson

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years with Pacers: 1994–1996, 1997–2000
  • Key Achievements:
    • One of the best floor generals in Pacers history.
    • Played a key role in the team’s late-1990s playoff success, including their run to the NBA Finals in 2000.

Notable Coaches

  • Larry Bird: Coached the Pacers from 1997–2000, leading them to the NBA Finals in 2000. Later served as team president, overseeing successful rebuilding phases.
  • Slick Leonard: Coached the Pacers to all three of their ABA championships. His contributions are so significant that his statue stands outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Honored Figures & Legacy

  • Pacers’ Retired Jerseys: Mel Daniels (34), Roger Brown (35), George McGinnis (30), Reggie Miller (31), Slick Leonard (529 for wins).
  • The Pacers have been a consistent playoff team, known for their toughness, strong fan base, and a legacy of teamwork and resilience.