Little Known Pacers Facts: Indiana’s Basketball Secrets

The Indiana Pacers are a team steeped in tradition and passionate fan support. But beyond Reggie Miller’s clutch shots and the roaring crowd of Gainbridge Fieldhouse, there’s a treasure trove of surprising stories.

Let’s delve into the Pacers’ hidden history:

1. ABA Origins: The Pacers weren’t always an NBA team. They started in 1967 as the Indiana Pacers in the rival American Basketball Association (ABA).
2. From ABA Champions to NBA Contenders: The Pacers joined the NBA after the ABA-NBA merger in 1976. They quickly made their mark, reaching the ABA finals three times and becoming ABA champions in 1970.
3. Slick Leonard: The Coaching Genius: Behind much of the Pacers’ early success was coach Slick Leonard. His defensive strategies and player development were legendary.
4. Mel Daniels: The Stifling Defender: Mel Daniels, a force known as “Stormey”, was a dominant defensive player and a key figure in the Pacers’ ABA championship run.
5. Reggie Miller: Indiana’s Hero: Reggie Miller is synonymous with the Pacers. His clutch shooting, iconic trash-talking, and dedication to Indiana made him a fan favorite for life.
6. The Pacers and the Knicks: A Heated Rivalry: The Pacers and the New York Knicks have a long-standing and intense rivalry, with many playoff battles and unforgettable moments.
7. Draft Day Steals: The Pacers have a history of finding talent in the draft, like Reggie Miller (1st round pick, 1987) and Paul George (10th round pick, 2010).
8. The Indiana Fever Connection: The Indiana Fever, the WNBA team that shares Gainbridge Fieldhouse, is a sister team to the Pacers. This unique partnership fosters a strong basketball community in Indiana.
9. More Than Just Basketball: The Pacers are committed to the Indiana community. Programs focus on education, health initiatives, and supporting local youth.
10. Blue and Gold Pride: The Pacers’ colors, blue and gold, pay homage to the Indiana state flag, solidifying their connection to the state.
11. Mascot Mayhem: Boomer, the Pacers’ current mascot, is a fun and energetic presence. However, previous mascots like Pacersman and Bobby Layne weren’t quite as well-received!
12. Fightin’ Pacers? Believe it or not, the Pacers were almost called the Indiana Fightin’ Quakers! Thankfully, “Pacers” won out in a fan-voting contest.
13. Going Green for St. Patrick’s Day: The Pacers are one of the few NBA teams to wear special green uniforms for St. Patrick’s Day, a tradition that started in the 1990s.
14. Lucky Number 30: Several Pacers legends wore number 30, including ABA star Roger Brown and Reggie Miller himself. It’s become a somewhat retired number out of respect.
15. Pacerville Strong: The Pacers‘ motto, “Pacerville Strong,” reflects the team’s deep connection to the city of Indianapolis and its passionate fans.