A staple in the NBA for the past five decades, the Indiana Pacers have had some truly iconic players come through their organization. From Reggie Miller‘s clutch shooting to Jermaine O’Neal‘s dominant post presence, the Pacers have seen their fair share of legends on the hardwood. But who are the cream of the crop when it comes to the very best players in franchise history?
Criteria for Ranking the Top 10 Players
Before we dive into our list of the top 10 players in Indiana Pacers history, let’s establish the criteria that we’ll be using to rank them. First and foremost, we’ll be looking at each player’s on-court accomplishments. This includes things like points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game, and any other statistics that demonstrate a player’s effectiveness on the court.
In addition to on-court accomplishments, we’ll also be considering individual accolades. This includes things like All-Star appearances, All-NBA selections, and any other awards or honors that a player has received during their time with the Pacers.
Finally, we’ll be taking into account each player’s overall impact on the team. This includes things like leadership, contribution to team success, and overall influence on the franchise.
Honorable Mentions
As is the nature of a list with a specified cut-off point, some noteworthy candidates, here’s a shout-out to some players that just missed the cut.
Dale Davis –Â Davis spent the majority of his career with the Pacers and was a key member of the team during their successful late-90s/early-2000s run. He was a dominant rebounder and defender and was an integral part of the Pacers’ tough, physical style of play.
Antonio Davis – No relation to Dale, Antonio Davis was another key part of the Pacers’ successful teams of the late-90s and early-2000s, and was a versatile player who could contribute in a variety of ways. He was a strong rebounder, a solid defender, and had a reliable mid-range jumper.
Chuck Person –Â Nicknamed “The Rifleman,” Person was a scoring machine for the Pacers in the late-80s and early-90s. He was a three-time All-Star during his time with the team and was a fan favorite for his fiery personality and clutch shooting.
#10: George Hill
Coming in at number 10 on our list is George Hill. Hill spent a relatively brief stint with the Pacers, but was an important player during his time with the team. He was a reliable scorer and a solid defender, and was a key part of the Pacers’ run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013.
Hill was also a fan favorite for his work in the community and his positive attitude both on and off the court. While he may not have the longevity of some of the other players on this list, his impact during his time with the Pacers is undeniable.
#9: Detlef Schrempf
Detlef Schrempf is one of the most beloved players in Pacers history, and for good reason. Schrempf spent the prime of his career with the Pacers in the early-90s, and was a key part of the team’s success during that time.
Schrempf was a versatile player who could contribute in a variety of ways. He was an excellent shooter, a strong rebounder, and a solid defender. He was also a two-time All-Star during his time with the Pacers, and helped lead the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1994.
#8: Jermaine O’Neal
Jermaine O’Neal was a dominant force for the Pacers during his time with the team in the early-2000s. He was a seven-time All-Star during his time in Indiana, and was a key part of the team’s run to the NBA Finals in 2000.
O’Neal was a dominant scorer and rebounder, and was also an excellent defender. He won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 2002, and was a perennial All-NBA selection during his time with the Pacers.
#7: Danny Granger
Danny Granger was a scoring machine for the Pacers during his time with the team in the late-2000s and early-2010s. He was a two-time All-Star during his time with the team, and was the Pacers’ leading scorer for several seasons.
Granger was also a fan favorite for his toughness and competitive spirit. He battled through injuries during his time with the team, and was a key part of the Pacers’ resurgence in the early-2010s.
#6: Rik Smits
Rik Smits was one of the most dominant centers in the NBA during his time with the Pacers in the 1990s. He was a vital part of the team during their run to the NBA Finals in 2000, and was a fan favorite for his smooth shooting stroke and tough interior play.
Smits was a skilled scorer and rebounder, and was also an excellent passer for a big man. He was a two-time All-Star during his time with the Pacers, and was one of the most iconic players in franchise history.
#5: Roger Brown
Roger Brown was one of the original members of the Indiana Pacers, and was a key part of the team during their early years in the ABA. He was a four-time All-Star during his time with the team, and was one of the most gifted scorers in the league.
Brown was known for his smooth shooting stroke and his ability to create his own shot. He was also a versatile player who could contribute in a variety of ways, and was a fan favorite for his electrifying style of play.
#4: Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson was one of the most talented point guards in the NBA during his time with the Pacers in the 1990s. He was a skilled passer and a reliable scorer, and was also an excellent leader on the court.
Jackson was a fan favorite for his charisma and his ability to make his teammates better. He was a two-time All-Star during his time with the Pacers, and was a critical part of the team’s success in the early-1990s.
#3: Paul George
Paul George was one of the most talented players in Pacers history, and was a key part of the team during their resurgence in the early-2010s. He was a four-time All-Star during his time with the team, and was one of the most dominant two-way players in the league.
George was a skilled scorer and a tenacious defender, and was also an excellent rebounder and passer. He helped lead the Pacers to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2013 and 2014, and was a fan favorite for his competitive spirit and his willingness to take on any challenge.
#2:Â Mel Daniels
Daniels played for the Pacers from 1967 to 1974, leading the team to three ABA championships and winning the league’s MVP award twice during that span. He was a dominant force on both ends of the court, known for his rebounding, scoring, and shot-blocking ability.
#1: Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller is arguably the greatest player in Pacers history, and is certainly one of the most iconic players in NBA history. He spent his entire career with the Pacers, and was a dominant force on the court for over a decade.
Miller was a prolific scorer and a clutch performer, and was known for his ability to hit big shots in key moments. He was a five-time All-Star during his career, and helped lead the Pacers to the NBA Finals in 2000.
