Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the information about Mel Daniels:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Melvin Joe Daniels
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Deceased (born July 20, 1944 – died October 30, 2015, aged 71)
  • Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
  • Height: 6’9″ (2.06 m)
  • Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 10 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 16 (US)
  • Number: Wore #34 and #20 during his career
  • Position: Center / Power Forward
  • High School: Pershing High School, Detroit, Michigan
  • College: University of New Mexico
  • NBA Draft: 1967, 1st Round, 9th pick overall by the Cincinnati Royals
  • Teams Played For: Minnesota Muskies, Indiana Pacers (ABA)
  • Championship Rings: 3 ABA Championships (1970, 1972, 1973 with the Indiana Pacers)
  • Kids: Not publicly documented
  • Siblings: Not publicly documented

Player Archetype / Play Style

Mel Daniels’ player archetype was that of a dominant interior anchor, a powerful old-school center who controlled the paint as a rebounder, low-post scorer, and defensive backbone. Defensively, he filled the role of a physical rim protector and interior enforcer, using strength, positioning, and relentless work on the glass to wear down opposing frontcourts rather than relying on flashy perimeter mobility. Offensively, he operated as a bruising inside presence who could finish around the basket, establish deep post position, and generate second-chance scoring, all while giving his teams a steady focal point near the rim. At 6-foot-9 with a strong, rugged frame, Daniels played with force, stamina, and edge, and his overall style was built on rebounding dominance, paint control, and no-nonsense toughness that made him one of the ABA’s defining big men.

Sources:

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — Mel Daniels
Indiana Pacers — Mel Daniels Hall of Fame Feature (Part 1)
Indiana Pacers — Daniels Brought Heart and Soul to the Pacers