The Indiana Pacers are an NBA franchise that was established in 1967. The franchise has had many incredible players throughout its history, but unfortunately, they have never won an NBA championship. The Pacers have had plenty of chances to compete at the top of the Eastern Conference. Some of the talented players have emerged more than others to make an impact on the team’s individual history. Let’s have a look at the best players in the history of the Indiana Pacers franchise.
10. Ron Artest
Whenever an NBA fan hears or reads the name Ron Artest, the first thing they remember is “The Malice at the Palace.” The famous brawl that took place in 2004 during the game between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons. The brawl involved a fight between players and fans. It ruined Pacer’s season because of Artest’s suspension. But still, Ron’s short stint with the franchise was impressive. His best season with the team was 2003–2004, and “The Straightjacket” won his only All-Star, All NBA selection as well as the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
9. Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis was a part of the Pacers franchise from 2017 to 2022. He is one of the few players in Pacers history to make multiple All-Star appearances for the franchise. In five seasons with the team, Sabonis averaged 16.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game and established himself in the league. Because of a lack of wins, Sabonis was sent to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Tyrese Haliburton.
8. Rik Smits
During the 1990s, the Indiana Pacers had a wonderful core of players who had great chemistry with each other. Rik Smits was one of the most important players during that time. He spent all eleven seasons of his NBA career with the Pacers. “The Dunking Dutchman” averaged 14.8 points and 6.1 rebounds and made only one All-Star appearance, but he was a player who fit more into the system than tried to dominate.
7. Danny Granger
Danny Granger was selected by the Indiana Pacers in 2005. He was part of the franchise for almost a decade. Granger led the franchise through difficult times by carrying a weak roster without much help. During his time with the Pacers, “Danny G” averaged 17.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game as their top player. He made an All-Star team and won the Most Improved Player award at Indiana. Unfortunately, Granger was slowed down due to injuries before the team had stronger depth.
6. Victor Oladipo
Victor Oladipo was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2017 along with Domantas Sabonis in exchange for Paul George. Oladipo won the Most Improved Player award for the franchise in 2018. Oladipo averaged 20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game during his four seasons with Indiana. His tenure ended faster than expected due to injuries, but “Mr. 540” made two All-Star appearances, received an All-NBA selection and even made an All-Defensive team during that time.
5. Roger Brown
Roger Brown was one of the pioneers of the Indiana Pacers during the 1970s and had a great fan following. That was the time when the Pacers dominated the ABA. He was a key part of the three championships won by the Pacers. Brown averaged 18 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. Brown still ranks second in franchise history in win shares and fourth in points.
4. Jermaine O’Neal
Jermaine was a member of the Indiana Pacers from 2000 to 2008. He won the Most Improved Player Award two seasons after joining the team. J.O. averaged 18.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game in his eight seasons with the franchise. His all six All-Star appearances and three All-NBA selections came with the Indiana Pacers when he was one of the best centers in the league.
3. Mel Daniels
Mel Daniels joined the Pacers in 1968 and during that season he was named the Most Valuable Player of the ABA as he averaged 24 points and 16.5 rebounds. Along with Roger Brown, Mel led the franchise to three ABA championship wins. He always used to make a difference in every game. During the six seasons he played with the Pacers, “Big Mel” averaged 19.4 points, 16.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. He is still the franchise’s all-time leader in total rebounds.
2. Paul George
There was a time when it was expected that Paul George would become the greatest player in the Pacers’ history, but he requested a trade after spending seven seasons with them. “PG13” was loved by the fans, as he averaged 18.1 points and 6.3 assists per game. During his stint with the Pacers, George made four All-Star appearances and three All-NBA selections.
1. Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller spent his entire eighteen-season NBA career with the Indiana Pacers and was the face of the franchise during that time. He averaged 18.2 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists per game and made five All-Star appearances and three All-Selections. “Knick Killer” was the most important player for the Indiana Pacers. His leadership and game clutching qualities gave the Pacers their most successful time in the league.
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