The Indiana Pacers is a professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association. They also used to be a part of the American Basketball Association where they won three ABA Championships.
Team Profile
The Indiana Pacers also known simply as Indiana or the Pacers, were established in 1967. They play in the National Basketball Association in the Eastern Conference and the Central Division.
Their current home arena is Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their team colors are navy blue, gold, and cool gray. They are affiliated with the Indiana Mad Ants in the NBA G League.
As of 2024, the team’s Head Coach is Rick Carlisle.
History
The Pacers started its life in the ABA and was part of the league from 1967 until 1976. They switched over to the NBA in 1976.
While in the ABA, they won three ABA Championships in 1970, 1972, and 1973. They are yet to win an NBA Championships. However, in the NBA, they have six Division Titles, won in 1995, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2013, and 2014.
| Country |
United States
|
| City | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Ground | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| Nickname | Pacers |
| Coach | Rick Carlisle |
| Website | http://nba.com/pacers |
| Follow This Team | |
The team is owned by Herbert Simon, the General Manager is Chad Buchanan and the Team President is Kevin Pritchard.
In the 1980-81 season, the Pacers made their first NBA playoffs appearance.
It was the team’s only playoff appearance from 1977 to 1986. But the team went out in the first round itself losing to the Philadelphia 76ers in two straight games. The following season the Pacers posed the worst record in NBA history by winning only 26 games in the regular season.
After a number of disappointing seasons, George Irwin was replaced by Jack Ramsay as a coach in the 1985-86 season and led the Pacers to a 41-41 record in the 1986-87 season.
In 1987, the team drafted one of their most significant players – Reggie Miller. Then in 1994, Larry Brown took on coaching duties for the team.
From 1997 to 2000, the Pacers had Larry Bird as coach. His presence helped the team make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. Then in 2000, they made it to the NBA Finals. It was their first Finals appearance, but they lost to the then-dominant Los Angeles Lakers. They have not been to a Finals since.
Notable Players
Aside from Miller and Bird, other notable players to have played for the Pacers include Rik Smits, Billy Knight, Roger Brown, Jermaine O’Neal, and George McGinnis.
In 2004, Ron Artest was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year while playing for the Pacers. Chuck Person was also named the 1987 NBA Rookie of the Year.
Players who were named the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year while with the Pacers include Jalen Rose, Jermaine O’Neal, Danny Granger, Paul George, and Victor Oladipo.
Coaches
Jack McKinney was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1981 while he was with the team. Bird was given the same honor in 1998. In 2012, Bird was also named the NBA Executive of the Year.
Major Achievements
- 3 ANBA Championships
- 1 Conference Titles
- 3 ABA Division Titles
- 6 NBA Division Titles
Indiana Pacers FAQ
