Indiana Pacers facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Indiana Pacers
Conference	Eastern
Division	Central
Founded	1967
History	Indiana Pacers 1967–1976 (ABA) 1976–present (NBA)
Arena	Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Location	Indianapolis, Indiana
Team colors	Pacers blue, gold, cool gray
Main sponsor	Spokenote
President	Kevin Pritchard
General manager	Chad Buchanan
Head coach	Rick Carlisle
Ownership	Herb Simon
Affiliation(s)	Indiana Mad Ants
Championships	3 ABA: 3 (1970, 1972, 1973) NBA: 0
Conference titles	1 (2000)
Division titles	9 ABA: 3 (1969, 1970, 1971) NBA: 6 (1995, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2013, 2014)
Retired numbers	4 (30, 31, 34, 35, 529)
Association Icon Statement

The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team from Indianapolis, Indiana. They play in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as part of the Eastern Conference. The team started in 1967 as a member of the American Basketball Association (ABA). In 1976, they joined the NBA when the ABA and NBA merged. Their home games are played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The team's name comes from Indiana's famous Indianapolis 500 pace cars and the state's history with harness racing.

The Pacers have won three championships, all in the ABA in 1970, 1972, and 1973. They also made it to the ABA Finals in 1969 and 1975. In the NBA, the Pacers were NBA Eastern Conference Champions in 2000. The team has also won nine division titles.

Many famous players have played for the Pacers. Six Hall of Fame players, including Reggie Miller, Mel Daniels, and George McGinnis, played multiple seasons with the team. Several Hall of Fame coaches, like Bobby "Slick" Leonard and Larry Brown, have also led the Pacers.

Team History

The Early Years: ABA Champions (1967–1976)

In 1967, a group of six investors bought a team for the new American Basketball Association. The Pacers played their first seven years at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum. In 1974, they moved to the new Market Square Arena in downtown Indianapolis.

Soon after, Bob "Slick" Leonard became the head coach. He quickly made the Pacers a top team. With stars like Mel Daniels, George McGinnis, and Roger Brown, the Pacers became the most successful team in ABA history. They won three ABA Championships in just four years. They reached the ABA Finals five times in the league's nine-year history.

Joining the NBA: Tough Times (1976–1987)

In the 1976–77 season, the Pacers were one of four ABA teams to join the NBA. The other teams were the Denver Nuggets, New York Nets, and San Antonio Spurs. Joining the NBA was expensive, and the Pacers faced financial challenges. They even had to sell some of their star players. Also, the new NBA teams could not share in national TV money for four years.

The Pacers finished their first NBA season with a record of 36 wins and 46 losses. Billy Knight and Don Buse were chosen for the NBA All-Star Game. However, the next 13 years were tough. The team had only two winning seasons and made the playoffs only twice.

The Pacers made some trades that didn't work out well. For example, in 1980, they traded Alex English to the Nuggets. English became a great scorer, but the player they got back, George McGinnis, was past his best. In 1984, they missed out on drafting future stars like Michael Jordan because of an earlier trade.

In 1982, the Pacers drafted Clark Kellogg, who was a great rookie. But the team still had its worst record ever, 20 wins and 62 losses, in the 1982–83 season. In 1986, Jack Ramsay became coach and led the Pacers to a 41–41 record in 1986–87. This was their second NBA playoff appearance. Chuck Person, known as "The Rifleman," led the team in scoring and won NBA Rookie of the Year. They won their first NBA playoff game against the Atlanta Hawks but lost the series.

The Reggie Miller Era (1987–2005)

Reggie Miller was drafted by the Pacers in 1987. Many fans were not happy with this choice at first. The Pacers missed the playoffs in 1987–88. In 1988, they drafted Rik Smits. The 1988–89 season was difficult, with coach Jack Ramsay leaving early. In 1989, the team traded for Detlef Schrempf.

From 1989 to 1993, the Pacers often had about as many wins as losses and made the playoffs. In 1989–90, Reggie Miller became the first Pacer since 1976 to play in the NBA All-Star Game. Despite losing in the first round of the playoffs four times in a row, they had some exciting series, like against the Boston Celtics in 1991.

Larry Brown Takes Over (1994–1997)

Larry Brown became the Pacers' coach for the 1993–94 season. The team finished with 47 wins, their best NBA record at the time. They swept Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs. This was their first NBA playoff series win. They then upset the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks.

Eastern Conference Finals Appearances

In the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers played the New York Knicks. In Game 5, the Pacers were losing by 15 points in the fourth quarter. Reggie Miller scored 25 points, including five 3-pointers, and famously flashed a "choke" sign to Knicks fan Spike Lee. The Pacers won that game, but the Knicks won the series.

In 1994–95, the Pacers had a great season with 52 wins. They won their first Central Division title. They swept the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. Then, they met the New York Knicks again. In Game 1, Miller scored 8 points in 8.9 seconds to help the Pacers win. The Pacers beat the Knicks in seven games. They then played the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals, losing in seven games.

The Pacers had another 52-win season in 1995–96. However, Reggie Miller got injured, and the team lost in the first round of the playoffs. This team was special because they were the only team to beat the Chicago Bulls twice that year. The Bulls had a record of 72 wins and 10 losses, which was a record at the time. In 1996–97, injuries hurt the team, and they missed the playoffs for the first time since 1989. Coach Larry Brown then left.

Larry Bird Becomes Coach (1997–2000)

In 1997, Indiana native and former Boston Celtics star Larry Bird was hired as head coach. He led the Pacers to 58 wins, which was a franchise record for an NBA team. Chris Mullin joined the team and became an important player. Reggie Miller and Rik Smits were both All-Stars. In the playoffs, the Pacers easily beat the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks. They then lost to the Chicago Bulls in a tough seven-game Eastern Conference Finals.

In the 1998–99 season, which was shorter due to a lockout, the Pacers won their division with 33 wins and 17 losses. They swept the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers before losing to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Reaching the NBA Finals (2000)

Before the 1999–2000 season, the Pacers traded Antonio Davis for Jonathan Bender. After a 56-win regular season, the Pacers made it to the NBA Finals for the first time. They beat the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers. Then, they defeated the New York Knicks in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals. In the NBA Finals, they played against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers won the championship in six games.

Isiah Thomas Takes Over (2000–2003)

After the 2000 season, many changes happened. Rik Smits and coach Larry Bird retired. The Pacers traded Dale Davis for Jermaine O'Neal. Isiah Thomas became the new head coach. Even though it was a rebuilding year, the team made the playoffs in 2001, losing to the Philadelphia 76ers.

In 2001–02, the Pacers made a big trade, sending Jalen Rose to the Chicago Bulls for Brad Miller, Ron Artest, and others. Miller and Artest later became All-Stars for the Pacers. The team made the playoffs again in 2002, losing to the New Jersey Nets in a close five-game series. Jermaine O'Neal became an All-Star for the first time.

In 2002–03, the Pacers started strong but struggled later in the season. O'Neal and Brad Miller were both All-Stars. The Pacers finished with 48 wins but lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.

Rick Carlisle Returns (2003–2007)

In 2003, Larry Bird returned as team president. He hired Rick Carlisle as the new coach. The Pacers had an amazing 2003–04 season, finishing with 61 wins and 21 losses. This was the best record in the NBA and a franchise record. O'Neal and Artest were All-Stars, and Artest won the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award. The Pacers swept the Boston Celtics and beat the Miami Heat in the playoffs. But they lost to the Detroit Pistons in six games, who went on to win the NBA Championship.

The Malice at the Palace and Miller's Last Season (2004–2005)

In the 2004 off-season, Al Harrington was traded for Stephen Jackson. The 2004–05 season started well until November 19, 2004. During a game against the Detroit Pistons, a big fight happened between players and fans. This event is known as the Malice at the Palace. Several players were suspended by the NBA. Ron Artest received the longest suspension in NBA history for an on-court incident, missing the rest of the season.

Despite the suspensions and injuries, the Pacers made the playoffs with 44 wins. They beat the Boston Celtics in the first round. Then, they faced the Detroit Pistons again in the second round. The Pacers won two games but lost the series 4–2. The last game was on May 19, 2005, and it was Reggie Miller's final NBA game. He scored 27 points and received a standing ovation from the crowd. Miller retired without an NBA Championship. His No. 31 jersey was retired by the Pacers in 2006.

The Danny Granger Era (2005–2012)

The team drafted Danny Granger in 2005. In 2005–06, the Pacers traded Ron Artest for Peja Stojaković. Even without Reggie Miller and with many injuries, the Pacers made the playoffs in 2006. They won Game 1 against the New Jersey Nets but lost the series 4–2.

The 2006–07 season was one of the worst in team history. Injuries and a lack of strong play led to the team missing the playoffs for the first time in ten seasons. In April 2007, coach Rick Carlisle was fired. Jim O'Brien became the new coach, aiming for a faster style of play.

Rebuilding Years (2007–2010)

The Pacers missed the playoffs for two seasons in a row. However, players like Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy showed great improvement. In 2008, Donnie Walsh, the team's CEO, left. Larry Bird took over his basketball duties.

In 2009, the Pacers traded Jermaine O'Neal for Roy Hibbert and other players. Hibbert became a two-time All-Star for the Pacers, known for his shot-blocking. The 2009–10 season was another losing one, with the team missing the playoffs for four years.

Paul George Arrives (2010–2012)

In the 2010 NBA draft, the Pacers picked Paul George with the 10th overall pick. They also drafted Lance Stephenson. In August 2010, the Pacers got Darren Collison and James Posey in a trade.

In the 2010–11 season, the team had a strong game against Denver, scoring 54 points in one quarter. On January 30, 2011, Frank Vogel became the interim head coach. The Pacers made the playoffs in 2011 for the first time since 2006, but lost to the Chicago Bulls.

Vogel became the permanent head coach in July 2011. The Pacers acquired George Hill and signed David West. These new players helped the team improve. In the 2011–12 season, the Pacers finished with a 42–24 record, their best since 2003–04. They beat the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs, their first series win since 2005. They then played the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, losing in six games.

The next season, Danny Granger was injured and played only five games. He was later traded in 2014.

The Paul George Era (2012–2017)

Championship Hopes (2012–2014)

In 2012, Larry Bird stepped down as president but returned a year later. The Pacers drafted Miles Plumlee and acquired other players like Ian Mahinmi.

On April 7, 2013, the Pacers won their first Central Division championship since 2003–04. They finished the 2012–13 season with 49 wins and were the third seed in the Eastern Conference. They beat the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the playoffs. This sent them to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2004, where they faced the defending champions, the Miami Heat. The Pacers lost Game 1 in overtime but won Game 2. The series was a tough battle, with the Pacers pushing the Heat to Game 7 before losing.

In the 2013 off-season, the Pacers added players like C. J. Watson and Luis Scola to strengthen their bench. The 2013–14 season started with the Pacers having an amazing 33–7 record, thanks to the great play of Paul George and Lance Stephenson. Paul George and Roy Hibbert were selected for the All-Star Game. However, after the All-Star break, the team struggled. Despite this, they finished with 56 wins and were the top seed in the East.

In the playoffs, the Pacers beat the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards. They then had a rematch with the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers won Game 1, but the Heat won the next three games. The Pacers avoided elimination in Game 5, in a game where Lance Stephenson famously blew into LeBron James' ear. However, the Pacers were eliminated by the Heat in Game 6 for the third year in a row.

George's Injury and Final Seasons (2014–2017)

On August 1, 2014, Paul George suffered a very serious leg injury while playing for Team USA. He was expected to miss the entire 2014–15 season. George returned on April 5, 2015, playing 15 minutes in a game. After missing the playoffs, the team saw key players like Roy Hibbert and David West leave. In the 2015 NBA draft, the Pacers selected Myles Turner.

In the 2015 off-season, the Pacers signed Monta Ellis. Paul George fully recovered from his injury and was an All-Star starter in 2016. The Pacers made the playoffs but lost Game 7 in the first round to the Toronto Raptors. After the season, Pacers president Larry Bird announced that coach Frank Vogel's contract would not be renewed. Nate McMillan was promoted to replace Vogel.

The team made several trades, getting new starters Jeff Teague and Thaddeus Young. They also brought back fan-favorite Lance Stephenson. The Pacers made the 2017 playoffs with 42 wins but were swept in four games by the defending champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Oladipo and Sabonis Era (2017–2021)

On June 30, 2017, Paul George was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. Many people criticized this trade at first. However, Oladipo had the best season of his career, winning the NBA Most Improved Player Award. Sabonis also improved a lot. Oladipo was chosen as an All-Star in 2018. The Pacers finished the season with 48 wins, a six-game improvement from the previous season. They faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 2018 playoffs, losing in seven games.

In the 2018–2019 season, Oladipo was chosen as an All-Star again. But on January 23, 2019, he suffered a serious leg injury and missed the rest of the season. Despite this, the Pacers still finished with 48 wins and made the playoffs. They were swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round.

Before the 2019–20 season, the Pacers had four new starters. Domantas Sabonis became a starter and had a career-best season, earning his first All-Star selection. However, he missed the playoffs due to a foot injury.

After the NBA season was paused due to the pandemic, the Pacers were invited to the NBA Bubble to finish the regular season. They ended with 45 wins and were the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference. They lost to the Miami Heat 4–0 in the first round of the playoffs. After this loss, the Pacers fired head coach Nate McMillan.

On October 20, 2020, Nate Bjorkgren became the new head coach. On January 16, 2021, Victor Oladipo was traded to the Houston Rockets as part of a big trade that brought Caris LeVert to Indiana. Sabonis earned his second All-Star appearance. The season ended with the Pacers losing in the NBA play-in tournament. After missing the playoffs, Bjorkgren was fired on June 9, 2021.

Rick Carlisle Returns (2021–Present)

On June 24, 2021, the Pacers announced that Rick Carlisle would return as head coach. He had coached the Pacers before from 2003 to 2007. The team also hired Jenny Boucek as the first female assistant coach for the Pacers. In the 2021 NBA draft, the Pacers selected Chris Duarte and Isaiah Jackson. Duarte was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

The Tyrese Haliburton Era (2022–Present)

The Pacers missed the playoffs in the 2021–22 season, finishing with 25 wins and 57 losses. This was the first time they missed the playoffs for two seasons in a row since 2007–10. During this season, the Pacers traded away key players like Domantas Sabonis and Caris LeVert. In return, they received future draft picks and young stars like Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Jalen Smith.

In the 2022 NBA draft, the Pacers drafted Bennedict Mathurin sixth overall, their highest pick since 1988. Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard were both named 2023 NBA Rising Stars. Tyrese Haliburton was selected for his first NBA All-Star Game in 2023. Haliburton and Buddy Hield also competed in the 2023 NBA Three-Point Contest. At the end of the season, Mathurin broke the Pacers' rookie record for most three-pointers. Buddy Hield also broke Reggie Miller's record for most three-pointers in a single season.

In the 2023 NBA draft, the Pacers traded for Jarace Walker (8th pick). On July 6, 2023, Haliburton signed a big contract extension with the Pacers. He also represented the United States at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The team also signed Bruce Brown.

During the 2023 off-season, the Pacers traded Chris Duarte and acquired Obi Toppin. The Pacers did very well in the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament, reaching the finals before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers.

On January 17, 2024, the Pacers acquired All-Star forward Pascal Siakam in a trade. On January 25, 2024, Haliburton was named an Eastern Conference starting guard for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, which was played in Indianapolis.

The Pacers finished the 2023–24 regular season with 47 wins and 35 losses, earning the 6th seed. In the first round of the playoffs, they beat the Milwaukee Bucks 4–2. In the conference semifinals, they faced the New York Knicks. The Pacers won the series 4–3 after a historic offensive performance in Game 7. They then lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Home Arenas

Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum (1967–1974)

The Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum was the Pacers' home from 1967 to 1974. The Pacers were very successful here, winning three ABA Championships. They won titles in 1970, 1972, and 1973. The team moved to Market Square Arena in 1974.

Market Square Arena (1974–1999)

Market Square Arena was the home of the Indiana Pacers from 1974 to 1999. The first regular-season ABA game there was on October 18, 1974. The Pacers lost in double overtime. The Pacers continued to play here after joining the NBA. Michael Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls at Market Square Arena in 1995. The last Pacers game in this arena was on October 23, 1999.

Gainbridge Fieldhouse (1999–Present)

The Indiana Pacers now play their home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It opened in 1999 and is located in downtown Indianapolis. It was first called Conseco Fieldhouse, then Bankers Life Fieldhouse, and got its current name in 2021. It is considered one of the best arenas in the NBA. It holds 18,165 people for basketball games. Gainbridge Fieldhouse is also home to the WNBA's Indiana Fever.

The arena has hosted many important basketball events, including the Big Ten men's basketball tournament and the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. It also hosted the 2024 NBA All–Star Weekend.

Team Colors and Uniforms

The Indiana Pacers' colors are navy blue, yellow (gold), cool gray, and white. The original blue and yellow colors came from the Flag of Indiana. The Pacers usually wear white uniforms at home and blue uniforms on the road. They also have a yellow uniform they wear sometimes.

From 1997 to 2005, the Pacers wore pinstripe uniforms. One of their most famous uniforms, worn from 1990 to 1997, was designed by Olympic athlete Florence Griffith-Joyner. These jerseys were often called "Flo-Jos" by fans.

In 2015, the Pacers wore a special uniform based on the movie Hoosiers. These maroon and gold "Hickory" uniforms were the first time a major sports team wore a uniform based on a film. In 2017, the Pacers unveiled new uniforms and logos with Nike.

Rivalries

Detroit Pistons

The Pacers and Pistons first met in the 1990 Playoffs. Their rivalry really started in the 2003–04 season. The Pacers had the best record in the league, led by Jermaine O'Neal, Ron Artest, and Reggie Miller. The Pistons were led by Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace. The Pacers' coach, Rick Carlisle, had been fired by Detroit the year before.

They met in the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals. The Pistons won the series and went on to win the NBA title.

On November 19, 2004, a big fight happened between players and fans during a game at the Pistons' arena. This event is known as the Malice at the Palace. Several players were suspended for a long time after this incident.

The teams met again in the 2005 playoffs. The Pacers fought hard, but the Pistons won the series. This was Reggie Miller's last game.

New York Knicks

The rivalry between the Knicks and Pacers has been strong since 1977. In the 1990s, they met in the playoffs six times. This rivalry was famous for the tension between Reggie Miller and well-known Knicks fan Spike Lee. The Pacers' key players included Miller, Rik Smits, and Mark Jackson. The Knicks had stars like Patrick Ewing and John Starks.

The Knicks and Pacers met again in the 2013 Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Pacers, led by Paul George, David West, and Roy Hibbert, beat the Knicks 4–2. The Knicks were led by Carmelo Anthony.

They met again in the 2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton, beat the Knicks in a thrilling Game 7 to win the series 4–3.

Miami Heat

The Pacers and Heat first met in the 2004 NBA playoffs. The Pacers were the top team in the Eastern Conference, led by Reggie Miller and Jermaine O'Neal. The Heat had rookie Dwyane Wade. The Pacers won that series.

A big rivalry started in the 2012 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Both coaches were fined for comments about the games. The series was very physical, with many fouls and confrontations between players. The Heat won the series 4–2 and went on to win the NBA Championship.

The next season, the Heat and Pacers met again in the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals. The series was again very physical. The Heat won the series 4–3 and became NBA Champions again.

In the 2014 NBA playoffs, the Pacers and Heat met for a third straight time in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers had home-court advantage, but the Heat eliminated them again in six games.

The two teams met again in the 2020 NBA playoffs. The Heat swept the Pacers in the first round.

Season-by-season record

List of the last five seasons completed by the Pacers. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Indiana Pacers seasons.

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, W–L% = Winning percentage

Overview of recent Pacers seasons

Season	GP	W	L	W–L%	Finish	Playoffs
2019–20	73	45	28	.616	2nd, Central	Lost in First Round, 0–4 (Heat)
2020–21	72	34	38	.472	2nd, Central	Did not qualify
2021–22	82	25	57	.305	4th, Central	Did not qualify
2022–23	82	35	47	.427	4th, Central	Did not qualify
2023–24	82	47	35	.573	3rd, Central	Lost in Conference Finals, 0–4 (Celtics)

Team Personnel

Current Roster

Draft Rights Held

The Pacers hold the rights to players drafted who are currently playing outside the NBA. The team keeps these rights until one year after the player's contract with a non-NBA team ends.

Retained draft rights of the Indiana Pacers

Draft	Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Nationality	Current team	Note(s)
2023	2	47	King, MojaveMojave King	G	New Zealand	BNZ Breakers (New Zealand)	Acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers

Retired Numbers

Indiana Pacers retired numbers
No.	Name	Position	Tenure	Date
30	George McGinnis	F	1971–1975 1980–1982	November 2, 1985
31	Reggie Miller	G	1987–2005	March 30, 2006
34	Mel Daniels	C1	1968–1974	November 2, 1985
35	Roger Brown	F	1967–1974, 1975	November 2, 1985
529	Bobby Leonard	Coach	1968–1980	March 15, 1996

Notes:

• ¹ Also served as coach (1988)
• The NBA retired Bill Russell's No. 6 for all its teams on August 11, 2022.

Hall of Famers

Indiana Pacers Hall of Famers
Players
No.	Name	Position	Tenure	Inducted
22	Alex English	F	1978–1980	1997
4	Adrian Dantley	F	1977	2008
25	Gus Johnson	F	1972–1973	2010
17	Chris Mullin 1	F	1997–2000	2011
34	Mel Daniels 2	C	1968–1974	2012
31	Reggie Miller	G	1987–2005	2012
1 35	Roger Brown 3	F	1967–1974 1975	2013
30	George McGinnis	F	1971–1975 1980–1982	2017
14	Tim Hardaway	G	2003	2022
Coaches
Name		Position	Tenure	Inducted
Jack Ramsay		Head coach	1986–1988	1992
Larry Brown		Head coach	1993–1997	2002
529	Bobby Leonard	Head coach	1968–1980	2014
Contributors
Name		Position	Tenure	Inducted
Herb Simon		Owner	1983–present	2024

Notes:

• ¹ In total, Mullin was inducted into the Hall of Fame twice – as player and as member of the 1992 Olympic team.
• ² He also coached the Pacers in 1988.
• ³ Inducted posthumously.

FIBA Hall of Famers

Indiana Pacers FIBA Hall of Famers
Players
No.	Name	Position	Tenure	Inducted
11	Detlef Schrempf	F	1989–1993	2021
16	Peja Stojaković	F	2006	2024
31	Reggie Miller	G	1987–2005	2024

EuroLeague Hall of Famers

Indiana Pacers EuroLeague Hall of Famers
Players
No.	Name	Position	Tenure	Inducted
3	Šarūnas Jasikevičius	G	2005–2007	2015

HEBA Basketball Hall of Famers

Indiana Pacers Greek Basket League Hall of Famers
Players
No.	Name	Position	Tenure	Inducted
16	Peja Stojaković	F	2006	2022

Draft Picks

Head Coaches

The Pacers have had 13 head coaches. Larry Staverman was the first coach in 1967. Coach Bobby Leonard has the most wins, with 529 in 12 seasons. Other coaches include Jack McKinney, George Irvine, and Jack Ramsay.

Larry Brown led the team to many playoff appearances in the 1990s. Larry Bird coached the Pacers from 1997 to 2000, leading them to their only NBA Finals appearance in 2000. Later coaches included Isiah Thomas, Rick Carlisle, and Jim O'Brien.

Frank Vogel coached the Pacers from 2011 to 2016, leading them to the playoffs multiple times. Nate McMillan took over in 2016 and coached for four seasons. In 2020, Nate Bjorkgren became the head coach, but he was fired after one season. On June 24, 2021, Rick Carlisle was re-hired for his second time as the team's head coach.

Team Records and Awards

Franchise Leaders

Bold means the player is still active with the team.

Italic means the player is still active but not with the team.

Points Scored (Regular Season) (as of the end of the 2023–24 season)

Other Statistics (Regular Season) (as of the end of the 2023–24 season)

NBA Individual Awards

ABA Individual Awards

NBA All-Star Weekend

Team Mascot

Boomer, the Pacers Panther, has been the team's official mascot since the 1991–1992 season. He used to have a partner named Bowser, who was a dog mascot. Bowser retired in the 2009–10 season.

Dance Squad

The Indiana Pacemates are the Pacers' professional dance squad. They were founded in 1967, the same year as the team. They were one of the first professional sports dance squads and the first in the NBA. They were originally called the Marathon Scoreboard Girls and then the Paul Harris Pacesetters. The name Pacemates has been used since the 1972–1973 season.

See also

In Spanish: Indiana Pacers para niños