How a series of disastrous trades nearly cost the Pacers a generational superstar
In short: In 1984, the Indiana Pacers held the second overall pick in one of basketball's deepest drafts. Due to a ill-fated trade for a veteran center, they watched from the sidelines as Michael Jordan entered the league, missing a chance to change franchise history forever.
The Indiana Pacers' history is a study in the high stakes of NBA roster management. While the franchise enjoyed immense success in the American Basketball Association (ABA)—winning three championships between 1970 and 1973—their transition to the NBA following the 1976 merger was fraught with financial and competitive instability. The cost of joining the NBA included a $3.2 million entry fee and the obligation to compensate defunct ABA franchises, creating immediate financial pressure.
The most consequential era of mismanagement occurred in the early 1980s. In 1980, the team traded future Hall of Famer Alex English to the Denver Nuggets in a failed attempt to reacquire ABA star George McGinnis. The following year, a trade involving a 1984 draft pick for center Tom Owens proved even more devastating. Because of this trade, the Pacers lacked the high draft positioning to participate in the legendary 1984 draft class, which featured icons like Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Charles Barkley.
Despite these setbacks, the franchise found periods of brilliance through strategic coaching and legendary talent. Under Larry Bird's leadership as head coach in 1997–98, the team achieved a 58–24 record, tying their ABA-era peak. The 1990s saw the rise of Reggie Miller, whose scoring prowess and clutch performances, such as his 25-point outburst against the Knicks in 1994, defined an era of intense Eastern Conference rivalry. Through decades of rebuilding and championship contention, the Pacers have remained a cornerstone of professional basketball in Indianapolis.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Indiana Pacers
- Also: Wikidata — Indiana Pacers · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Indiana Pacers all-time roster · CC0
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