Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers began playing in the inaugural 1967-68
season of the ABA, becoming one of the most successful teams. They appeared in
the playoffs all eight years of the ABA's existence, appearing in the Finals 5
times and winning 3 championships. Among their standout players from these years
are Gus Johnson, George McGinnis, Mel Daniels, Roger Brown, Billy Knight and
Freddie Lewis.
The Pacers were one of only four teams invited to join the
NBA for the 1976-77 season, the New York Nets, Denver Nuggets and San Antonio
Spurs being the others. Unfortunately, the Pacers didn't approach their ABA
success, making the playoffs only twice in their first 13 years in the NBA.
The Indiana Pacers started one of the most successful periods
in franchise history in the 1989-90 season. Since then they have made the
playoffs in 16 out of 18 seasons. The groundwork was laid particularly in 1987,
when the Pacers drafted Reggie Miller out of UCLA with the 11th pick. In 1988,
the Pacers added another important piece in the 1988 draft when they selected
Rik Smits from Marist College with the 2nd pick overall. With other pieces added
over the ensuing years, the Pacers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in
1993 and 1994, where they lost first to Patrick Ewing's Knicks then to Shaq's
Orlando Magic.
The Pacers had another very notable period from 1998 to 2000.
In 1998 they lost a very competitive 7 game Eastern Conference Finals series to
Michael Jordan's Bulls. In 1999 they were once again defeated by Patrick Ewing's
Knicks. In 2000, the Pacers finally made it by the Knicks in the Eastern
Conference Finals in 6 games. In the NBA Finals, they lost in 6 games to
Shaquille O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Pacers made one more appearance
in the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals, losing in 6 games to eventual champions
Detroit Pistons.
Among the Indiana Pacers greatest players are:
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Ron Artest (2003-05)
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Roger Brown (1968-1974)
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Phil Chenier (1980)
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Adrian Dantley (1978)
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Dale Davis (1992-2000)
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Johnny Davis (1980-82)
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James Edwards (1978-1981)
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Alex English (1979-80) Hall of Famer
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Mark Jackson (1995-96, 1997-2000)
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Billy Knight (1975-77, 79-1983)
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Freddie Lewis (1968-1974, 77)
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George McGinnis (1972-75, 1980-82)
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Reggie Miller (1988-2005)
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Chris Mullin (1998-2000)
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Jermaine O'Neal (2001-)
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Bob Netolicky (1968-1972, 75-76)
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Chuck Person (1987-1992)
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Jalen Rose (1997-2001)
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Detlef Schrempf (1989-1992)
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Rik Smits (1989-2000)
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Ricky Sobers (1978-79)
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Wayman Tisdale (1986-88)
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Herb Williams (1982-88)
The design of the Indiana Pacers novelty fabric consists of
navy blue and yellow squares. Within the squares are jerseys, basketballs and
the Pacers' logo.
This Indiana Pacers fabric is licensed by the NBA and is for
individual consumption. Any other use of this NBA fabric is prohibited and
illegal. The Indiana Pacers cotton fabric is not suitable for children's
sleepwear.