2011-2014 Danny Granger & David West Era
From ABA dynasty to NBA contender, the Pacers carry Indiana's racing heritage.
The Indiana Pacers are an American professional basketball team based in Indianapolis. They compete in the NBA as a member of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. The team was founded in 1967 as an original member of the ABA and joined the NBA in 1976 via the ABA–NBA merger. They play home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Quick Facts
- Head coach
- Frank Vogel
- Front office
- Donnie Walsh (President of Basketball Operations)
- Veteran core
- Danny Granger, David West
- Rising star
- Paul George
- Defensive anchor
- Roy Hibbert
- Eastern conference finals appearances
- 2013, 2014 (both lost to Miami Heat)
Lore & Background
The Pacers won three ABA championships (1970, 1972, 1973) and appeared in the ABA Finals in 1969 and 1975. They also reached the NBA Finals in 2000 and 2025. The team has won nine division titles. Six Hall of Fame players—Reggie Miller, Chris Mullin, Alex English, Mel Daniels, Roger Brown, and George McGinnis—played multiple seasons with the Pacers. Hall of Fame coaches include Bobby 'Slick' Leonard, Jack Ramsay, and Larry Brown. Miller and Detlef Schrempf are in the FIBA Hall of Fame.
Reader's Guide
The Pacers were an ABA dynasty under coach Bob 'Slick' Leonard, winning three championships in four years. After joining the NBA in 1976, they struggled financially and on the court, with only two non-losing seasons and two playoff appearances in their first 13 NBA years. The Reggie Miller era (1987–2005) brought sustained success, including back-to-back Eastern Conference finals appearances in 1994 and 1995.
Did You Know?
- The Pacers are named after Indiana's history with the Indianapolis 500's pace cars and harness racing.
- They played their first seven seasons at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum, then moved to Market Square Arena in 1974 for 25 years.
- The Pacers were one of four ABA teams to join the NBA in the 1976 merger, along with the Denver Nuggets, New York Nets, and San Antonio Spurs.
- Reggie Miller played his entire 18-year Hall of Fame career with the Pacers.
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