The Indiana Pacers have had several elite players who have played for its franchise. Indiana as of now hasn’t won an NBA title, but legendary talent has worn the blue, yellow, and white uniforms. Here is a Mount Rushmore of the Pacers’ great in a ranked order.
The Mount Rushmore Of the Indiana Pacers
4. Jermaine O’Neal
Former Indiana Pacers big man Jermaine O’Neal absolutely belongs on this list. O’Neal went to the Pacers in 2000 after being a member of the Portland Trailblazers for four years prior. As a Pacer, O’Neal earned six All-Star nods, three All-NBA Teams, and won the Most Improved Player award in 2002. The 1996 No. 16 pick aided the Pacers to make the postseason six consecutive times, which included an Eastern Conference Finals berth in the 2003-2004 season. O’Neal averaged 18.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks during his tenure with the Pacers.
3. Roger Brown
Basketball Hall of Famer Roger Brown comes in at number three, as he was the first player signed to the organization since its inception. Brown led the Pacers to three ABA championships and earned four All-Stars nods. Additionally, he is a member of the ABA All-Time team. Unfortunately, Brown was banned from the NBA. The Hall of Famer was banned due to his association (lack thereof) with known gambler Jack Molinas. As a result, Brown was blackballed from the league but still managed to become a basketball legend.
2. Paul George
Former Pacers forward Paul George is without a doubt one of the greatest to ever play for Indiana. George came to the Pacers in 2010 and had an impactful seven-year tenure in Indiana. As a Pacer, George accumulated three All-Star nods, three All-Defensive Teams, and three All-NBA teams, and won the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2013.
Furthermore, George led Indiana to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The 2010 first-round pick broke his leg during a game trying to compete for a spot on the U.S. national team (FIBA World Cup) but still managed to bounce back and build a surefire Hall of Fame career.
George throughout his illustrious career is known as one of the premier two-way players and had the tools it took to help Indiana win its first championship. Unfortunately, George and the Pacers repeatedly kept having to face LeBron James, which is a tall order to fulfill. Regardless, George comfortably belongs on the list as the second-greatest Pacers player in history.
1. Reggie Miller
Former Pacers guard Reggie Miller is absolutely the greatest Pacers player in franchise history. Miller played his entire career with Indiana (1987-2005) and earned five All-Star selections, three All-NBA teams, and was a part of the 50-40-90 club in 1993-94. Additionally, Miller led the league in free throw percentage five times and at the time of retirement held the all-time three-point field goals made record.
Furthermore, Miller led the Pacers to fifteen playoff appearances which included a trip to the NBA Finals in 2000 (loss vs. Los Angeles Lakers, only Finals berth in franchise history). Regardless, Miller’s impact in Indianapolis was just too impactful to not have him number one on the list. The Basketball Hall of Fame added Miller in 2012.
The Last Word
The Pacers have had legendary ball players throughout its history. Indiana is still striving for its first-ever NBA title, but the franchise’s current state is promising under the leadership of All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton at the helm.
