Top 20 Indiana Pacer Players of All Time (2025)
- Jul 25
- 9 min read
Updated: 13 minutes ago
By Ryan Vickery — NBA analyst and writer covering the players, moments, and milestones that define the game.
Franchise History & Player Legacy
These are my picks for the top 20 Indiana Pacers players of all time. The franchise began in the 1967–68 season as part of the ABA. The Pacers were one of the teams that joined the NBA following the ABA–NBA merger before the 1976–77 season. Over their 58 seasons, the Pacers have made the playoffs 38 times and claimed three ABA championships. This list highlights the most influential players across both the ABA and NBA eras.
20. Chuck Person
Seasons: 6
Points per Game: 19.0
Rebounds per Game: 6.3
Assist Points per Game: 3.6
Steals per Game: 0.9
Blocks per Game: 0.2
Playoff Games: 15
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, NBA Rookie of the Year
Chuck didn’t just play for the Pacers — he brought swagger, fire, and a sniper’s touch from deep, earning the nickname “The Rifleman” for good reason. Though he never led Indiana on a deep playoff run, his confidence and scoring punch made him the centerpiece of the franchise in the late ’80s. Person’s time in Indy was loud, proud, and unforgettable — a player who left a mark with both buckets and attitude.
19. Roy Hibbert
Seasons: 7
Points per Game: 11.1
Rebounds per Game: 6.8
Assist Points per Game: 1.4
Steals per Game: 0.4
Blocks per Game: 1.9
Playoff Games: 54
Accolades: 2× NBA All-Star, 1× NBA All-Defensive Team
Hibbert anchored the Pacers’ defense during their rise in the early 2010s, using his size and timing to protect the rim and disrupt even the league’s best offenses. His game wasn’t flashy, but for a few seasons, he was the backbone of a team that pushed LeBron James’ Heat to the brink. Though his decline came quickly, Hibbert’s peak left a lasting impression as a reminder of how vital defense can be to a contender.
18. Domantas Sabonis
Seasons: 5
Points per Game: 16.3
Rebounds per Game: 10.5
Assist Points per Game: 4.2
Steals per Game: 0.8
Blocks per Game: 0.5
Playoff Games: 11
Accolades: 2× NBA All-Star
Sabonis arrived in Indiana without much fanfare but steadily blossomed into the face of the franchise, combining gritty rebounding with sharp passing and interior scoring. He made multiple All-Star appearances and gave the Pacers a skilled big man to build around during a time of transition. While his tenure didn’t lead to postseason breakthroughs, Sabonis earned respect as a hard-nosed, high-IQ leader who gave the team a fighting identity.
17. Pascal Siakam
Seasons: 2
Points per Game: 20.6
Rebounds per Game: 7.2
Assist Points per Game: 3.5
Steals per Game: 0.8
Blocks per Game: 0.5
Playoff Games: 40
Accolades: 1× NBA All-Star, 1× NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP
Siakam brought championship pedigree and playoff toughness to the Pacers, instantly raising the team’s ceiling with his two-way versatility and veteran presence. His arrival helped propel Indiana to its first NBA Finals appearance in over two decades, proving he could still impact winning at the highest level. Siakam’s blend of experience, skill, and relentless energy made him the perfect complement to the Pacers’ rising core.
16. Billy Knight
Seasons: 8
Points per Game: 18.4
Rebounds per Game: 5.9
Assist Points per Game: 2.4
Steals per Game: 1.1
Blocks per Game: 0.2
Playoff Games: 23
Accolades: ABA All-Rookie Team, 2× ABA/NBA All-Star, 1× All-ABA
Knight was a pure scorer with a silky midrange game who gave the Pacers a reliable offensive engine during the late 1970s. Though the team struggled to compete in a shifting post-ABA landscape, Knight’s calm demeanor and scoring touch made him a bright spot in a challenging era. He played with quiet excellence, earning All-Star recognition and helping keep the franchise steady through its early NBA years.
15. Victor Oladipo
Seasons: 4
Points per Game: 20.6
Rebounds per Game: 5.2
Assist Points per Game: 4.3
Steals per Game: 1.9
Blocks per Game: 0.5
Playoff Games: 11
Accolades: NBA Most Improved Player of the Year, NBA STL Champ, 2× NBA All-Star, NBA All-Defensive Team, All-NBA
Oladipo’s time with the Pacers was electric. He arrived with something to prove and quickly became the heart of the team, delivering All-Star performances and unforgettable playoff moments. His rise was meteoric, but devastating injuries cut short what felt like the beginning of something special. Even with the what-ifs, Oladipo’s impact in Indiana was powerful — marked by grit, heart, and a deep connection with the fans.
14. Myles Turner
Seasons: 10
Points per Game: 14.1
Rebounds per Game: 6.8
Assist Points per Game: 1.3
Steals per Game: 0.8
Blocks per Game: 2.3
Playoff Games: 66
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, 2× NBA BLK Champ
Myles Turner has been the Pacers’ defensive anchor for nearly a decade, leading the league in blocks multiple times while providing steady rim protection and floor spacing. Though he’s never fully broken out as a star, his presence has been essential to Indiana’s identity on both ends of the court. Turner’s longevity, professionalism, and adaptability have made him one of the most dependable big men in franchise history.
13. Rik Smits
Seasons: 12
Points per Game: 14.3
Rebounds per Game: 6.1
Assist Points per Game: 1.4
Steals per Game: 0.5
Blocks per Game: 1.4
Playoff Games: 104
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, NBA All-Star
Rik Smits, the “Dunking Dutchman,” gave the Pacers a steady interior presence for over a decade, combining soft touch with clutch performances in big playoff moments. He was never the flashiest player on the floor, but his reliability and poise made him the perfect complement to Indiana’s stars during their deepest postseason runs. Smits became a fan favorite through consistency, loyalty, and rising to the occasion when it mattered most.
12. Don Buse
Seasons: 7
Points per Game: 7.7
Rebounds per Game: 3.0
Assist Points per Game: 5.1
Steals per Game: 2.4
Blocks per Game: 0.2
Playoff Games: 51
Accolades: 2× ABA/NBA AST Champ, 2× ABA/NBA STL Champ, 2× ABA/NBA All-Star, 3× ABA/NBA All-Defensive Team, All-ABA, ABA Champion
Don was a tough, unselfish guard whose defensive intensity and court vision played a key role in the Pacers’ 1973 ABA Championship run. Though not the team’s biggest name, his ability to control tempo and shut down opposing guards made him one of Indiana’s most valuable assets during that title season. Buse laid the groundwork for what it meant to be a true floor general in Pacers history.
11. Danny Granger
Seasons: 9
Points per Game: 17.6
Rebounds per Game: 5.1
Assist Points per Game: 2.0
Steals per Game: 1.0
Blocks per Game: 0.9
Playoff Games: 22
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, NBA Most Improved Player, NBA All-Star
Granger emerged as the Pacers’ go-to scorer for much of the late 2000s and early 2010s, earning an All-Star nod thanks to his smooth shooting and scoring versatility. Though injuries eventually derailed his prime, Granger’s leadership and offensive firepower were crucial during a transitional period for the team. His legacy remains a reminder of what could have been had health allowed him to sustain his peak performance longer.
10. Metta World Peace (Ron Artest)
Seasons: 5
Points per Game: 16.5
Rebounds per Game: 5.2
Assist Points per Game: 3.0
Steals per Game: 2.2
Blocks per Game: 0.7
Playoff Games: 26
Accolades: NBA All-Star, 3× NBA All-Defensive Team, All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year
Metta World Peace brought toughness, intensity, and a fearless defensive mindset to the Pacers, becoming a key figure in their gritty identity. His passion on the court sometimes sparked controversy, but his lockdown defense and clutch moments made him indispensable during Indiana’s competitive stretch. Artest’s time in Indy was a rollercoaster, marked by both drama and dedication that left a lasting impression on the franchise.
9. Freddie Lewis
Seasons: 8
Points per Game: 16.1
Rebounds per Game: 3.9
Assist Points per Game: 4.0
Steals per Game: 1.4
Blocks per Game: 0.3
Playoff Games: 97
Accolades: 2× ABA All-Star, 3× ABA Champion, ABA Playoffs MVP
Freddie Lewis was the steady hand and emotional leader of the Pacers during their ABA glory years, guiding the team to three championships with poise, clutch shooting, and unshakable confidence. Often overlooked next to bigger names, he delivered when it mattered most, earning Playoffs MVP honors in 1972. Lewis embodied everything a champion should be: tough, dependable, and always ready in the biggest moments.
8. Bob Netolicky
Seasons: 8
Points per Game: 15.7
Rebounds per Game: 8.9
Assist Points per Game: 1.1
Steals per Game: 0.1
Blocks per Game: 0.1
Playoff Games: 73
Accolades: ABA All-Rookie Team, 4× ABA All-Star, All-ABA, 2× ABA Champion
Bob Netolicky was a stylish, skilled big man who helped define the early identity of the Pacers with his soft shooting touch and flashy personality. A two-time ABA champion and four-time All-Star, he was a consistent presence in the frontcourt during Indiana’s rise to dominance. “Neto” wasn’t just a fan favorite, he was a vital piece of the Pacers’ original dynasty.
7. Tyrese Haliburton
Seasons: 4
Points per Game: 19.5
Rebounds per Game: 3.8
Assist Points per Game: 10.1
Steals per Game: 1.5
Blocks per Game: 0.6
Playoff Games: 38
Accolades: NBA AST Champ, 2× NBA All-Star, 2× All-NBA
Haliburton has quickly become the engine of the Pacers’ resurgence, blending elite playmaking, sharp shooting, and infectious leadership into a true franchise cornerstone. His ability to elevate teammates and control the tempo has transformed Indiana into one of the league’s most exciting young teams. Still early in his journey, Haliburton has already led his team to two Eastern Conference Finals and one Finals appearance.
6. Jermaine O'Neal
Seasons: 8
Points per Game: 18.6
Rebounds per Game: 9.6
Assist Points per Game: 2.0
Steals per Game: 0.7
Blocks per Game: 2.4
Playoff Games: 50
Accolades: NBA Most Improved Player, 6× NBA All-Star, 3× All-NBA
O’Neal brought star power and dominance to Indiana, becoming a multiple-time All-Star and the face of a rugged, competitive Pacers era in the early 2000s. He carried the team through deep playoff battles with his blend of post scoring, shot-blocking, and leadership. Though his tenure was shadowed by the “Malice at the Palace,” O’Neal’s impact remains undeniable as one of the most formidable big men in franchise history.
5. Roger Brown
Seasons: 8
Points per Game: 18.0
Rebounds per Game: 6.5
Assist Points per Game: 4.0
Steals per Game: 0.2
Blocks per Game: 0.2
Playoff Games: 110
Accolades: 4× ABA All-Star, 3× All-ABA, 3× ABA Champion, ABA Playoffs MVP
Brown was the original Pacer legend, a smooth scorer with ice in his veins and a calm confidence that lifted Indiana to three ABA championships. Blackballed from the NBA early in his career, he found redemption in the ABA, where his clutch performances and graceful game earned him a place in the Hall of Fame. Brown didn’t just play for the Pacers, he helped build their championship foundation with style, loyalty, and quiet greatness.
4. Paul George
Seasons: 7
Points per Game: 18.1
Rebounds per Game: 6.3
Assist Points per Game: 3.2
Steals per Game: 1.7
Blocks per Game: 0.4
Playoff Games: 65
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, NBA Most Improved Player, 4× NBA All-Star, 3× NBA All-Defensive Team, 3× All-NBA
George rose from promising rookie to full-blown superstar in Indiana, leading the Pacers to deep playoff runs and going toe-to-toe with LeBron’s Heat in unforgettable battles. He was the face of the franchise, electrifying, fearless, and one of the league’s best two-way players at his peak. But his departure left mixed feelings, as fans wondered what heights could’ve been reached had he stayed to finish what he started.
3. George McGinnis
Seasons: 7
Points per Game: 19.6
Rebounds per Game: 10.7
Assist Points per Game: 3.3
Steals per Game: 1.5
Blocks per Game: 0.4
Playoff Games: 72
Accolades: ABA All-Rookie Team, ABA Scoring Champ, 3× ABA All-Star, 3× All-ABA, 2× ABA Champion, ABA Playoffs MVP
McGinnis was a force of nature — physically dominant, wildly skilled, and nearly unstoppable when he got rolling — powering the Pacers to two ABA championships. He played with brute strength and a fearless motor, stuffing stat sheets and carrying the team on his back when needed. McGinnis wasn’t just a star, he was a freight train in sneakers and one of the fiercest competitors the franchise has ever seen.
2. Mel Daniels
Seasons: 6
Points per Game: 19.4
Rebounds per Game: 16.0
Assist Points per Game: 1.9
Steals per Game: 1.2
Blocks per Game: 2.5
Playoff Games: 95
Accolades: 2× ABA TRB Champ, 6× ABA All-Star, ABA All-Star MVP, 4× All-ABA, 2× ABA MVP, 3× ABA Champion
Daniels was the backbone of the Pacers’ ABA dynasty, a relentless rebounder, tough enforcer, and quiet leader who did all the dirty work without seeking headlines. His physical presence and no-nonsense attitude set the tone for three championship runs, earning him two ABA MVPs along the way. Daniels was never flashy, but he was exactly what greatness needed: dependable, fearless, and always all-in.
1. Reggie Miller
Seasons: 18
Points per Game: 18.2
Rebounds per Game: 3.0
Assist Points per Game: 3.0
Steals per Game: 1.1
Blocks per Game: 0.2
Playoff Games: 144
Accolades: 5× NBA All-Star, 3× All-NBA
Reggie Miller is the undisputed face of the Indiana Pacers franchise. Over 18 seasons, he became the team’s all-time leading scorer and the definition of clutch. Known for his lethal three-point shooting and fierce competitiveness, especially against rivals like the Knicks, Miller led the Pacers to their lone NBA Finals appearance in 2000. His loyalty, leadership, and legacy remain unmatched in Indiana basketball history.
In conclusion, the Indiana Pacers’ storied history, from their ABA roots to their NBA tenure, is defined by the exceptional contributions of these 20 players. Spanning 58 seasons, three ABA championships, and 38 playoff appearances, the franchise owes much of its legacy to these influential figures. Their stats and impact underscore their role in shaping the Pacers’ enduring pursuit of excellence.
Note: Statistics reflect averages during players' time with the ABA/NBA team, not their entire career.
About the Author
Ryan Vickery is a staff writer for Massive Action Media with a degree in Sports Management. Based in Austin, Texas, he has been covering the NBA since 2022, delivering insights on players, rankings, and franchise history.
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