The Best Indiana Pacers of All Time
Who are the best Indiana Pacers of all time? As one of the charter franchises of the ABA, the Pacers were founded in 1967.The most successful team in the fledgling league's history, the Pacers won three ABA championships in four years and made the finals five times in nine years. Those early Pacers teams had some of the best players in franchise history including superstars like Mel Daniels, George McGinnis and Roger Brown, who was the first Pacers player to be inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame.
After a decade spent near the bottom of the league, things started to turn around for the Pacers in 1987 when they drafted a lanky kid from UCLA, who some thought wasn't going to make it in the NBA. Reggie Miller proved them wrong and even to this day one of the greatest Pacers ever. The sharpshooting Miller is one of the greatest players in basketball history and led many of the most successful teams in Pacers history during the 1990s and early 2000s. Former stars Dale Davis, Rik Smits, Antonio Davis and Jermaine O'Neal were other outstanding players who played on that roster with Miller.
After a bit of a rebuilding period, the Pacers roared back in the early 2010s led by three great NBA stars in Paul George, Roy Hibbert and Danny Granger. Though the franchise only has a few Hall of Famers, basketball history in Indiana is rich, which can be attributed to it's number of great players including recent talents like Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner, and Malcolm Brogdon.
This is the list of the best Indiana Pacers of all time. Vote or rerank the players based on who you think should be considered the greatest Indiana Pacers player ever.
- 1Shooting guard
- Birthplace: Riverside, California
Reggie Miller, the sharpshooting legend who donned the Pacers uniform for 18 long seasons, etched his name in the annals of NBA history with his clutch performances and lethal long-range shooting capabilities. A pivotal force in the Pacers' consistent playoff berths during the '90s and 2000s, Miller's flair for the dramatic often left spectators in awe, especially during his intense battles against the New York Knicks. It's no surprise that "Miller Time" is still synonymous with unfathomable comebacks and game-winners, as Reggie's never-say-die attitude and fearlessness in crunch time gave Indiana fans years of unforgettable memories.
- 2Small forward
- Birthplace: Palmdale, California
As one of the most dynamic two-way players to ever grace the hardwood for the Indiana Pacers, Paul George's versatility, athleticism, and scoring prowess made him a nightmare for opponents. His ascent from a raw talent out of Fresno State to an NBA superstar was nothing short of incredible, highlighted by his fierce duels with LeBron James and the Miami Heat during their thrilling playoff series. Despite facing a devastating injury in 2014, PG-13 showcased his resilience and determination, returning stronger than ever to continue electrifying fans with his high-flying dunks, lockdown defense, and timely baskets.
- 3Shooting guard
- Birthplace: Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Victor Oladipo burst onto the scene in Indiana with a renewed sense of purpose, quickly becoming the heart and soul of the Pacers with his exuberant personality, relentless work ethic, and infectious energy. Known for his lightning-quick first step, explosive athleticism, and unwavering commitment to the defensive end, Dipo established himself as one of the league's premier guards in a short period. As he continues to grow into his role as Indiana's leading man, fans eagerly anticipate the return of his signature tomahawk slams, clutch shooting, and tenacious defense.
- 4Power forward, Center
- Birthplace: Columbia, South Carolina, USA
The backbone of the early 2000s Pacers squads, Jermaine O'Neal's offensive repertoire and shot-blocking prowess made him an imposing force on both ends of the floor. A true inside-outside threat, O'Neal could effortlessly face up defenders or bully them down low, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing big men. As a cornerstone of the Pacers' deep playoff runs during his tenure, his leadership and determination to bring success to Indiana won't be forgotten anytime soon.
- 5Center
- Birthplace: Eindhoven, Netherlands
Standing at a towering 7-foot-4, Rik Smits was a force to be reckoned with in the paint, as his smooth post game and soft touch around the rim earned him the nickname "The Dunking Dutchman." Despite his size, Smits possessed an uncanny ability to stretch the floor with his shooting range, making him one of the earliest prototypes for the modern-day stretch big man. Responsible for numerous winning plays during the Pacers' storied battles in the '90s, Smits' indelible impact on the franchise is still remembered fondly by fans today.
- 6Power forward, Center
- Birthplace: Indianapolis, Indiana
George McGinnis, a tenacious rebounder and prodigious scorer, consistently overpowered opponents with his combination of physicality, athleticism, and finesse during his time with the Pacers. Born and raised in Indiana, McGinnis quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to his never-back-down attitude, ferocious will to win, and relentless approach on every possession. His impact on both the ABA and the NBA iterations of the Pacers remains undisputed, as McGinnis played with the heart of a champion, leaving everything out on the hardwood.
