NBA Finals - Los Angeles Lakers v Indiana Pacers v - Game Four
Source: The Sporting News / Getty
The Indiana Pacers Roster Last Time They Made The NBA Finals (2000)
The year 2000 marked a historic moment for the Indiana Pacers as they made their first and only NBA Finals appearance to date.
Under the guidance of head coach Larry Bird, the Pacers assembled a roster with a unique blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars that propelled them to the pinnacle of professional basketball.
RELATED | Visit the Larry Bird Museum In Terre Haute
Though they ultimately fell in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers, the team left an indelible mark on Indiana basketball.
The Roster:
24 | Jonathan Bender | SF | 6-11
4 | Travis Best | PG | 5-11
44 | Austin Croshere | PF | 6-9
32 | Dale Davis | C | 6-11
10 | Jeff Foster | C | 6-11
3 | Al Harrington | PF | 6-9
13 | Mark Jackson | PG | 6-1
9 | Derrick McKey | SF | 6-9
31 | Reggie Miller | S | 6-7
17 | Chris Mullin | SG | 6-7
14 | Sam Perkins | PF | 6-9
5 | Jalen Rose | SF | 6-8
45 | Rik Smits | C | 7-4
55 | Žan Tabak | C | 7-0
The Legends
At the heart of the Pacers’ success was Reggie Miller, one of the most prolific sharpshooters in NBA history.
RELATED | Reggie Miller To Become Lead Analyst For NBC Sports In Major Career Move
Known for his clutch performances and unrelenting confidence, Miller was the team’s emotional leader.
Averaging 18.1 points per game during the 1999–2000 regular season, Miller’s ability to knock down timely three-pointers was a constant threat to opponents.
Rik Smits, the 7-foot-4 “Dunking Dutchman,” anchored the team in the paint.
Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Smits was a reliable scorer and rim protector.
The 2000 NBA Finals marked the swan song of his career, as he retired shortly after the series.
The roster also featured Jalen Rose, a versatile forward who emerged as a star during the 2000 season.
Rose’s ability to create offense both as a scorer and playmaker earned him the NBA’s Most Improved Player award that year.
His dynamic partnership with Miller added a crucial dimension to the Pacers’ offensive arsenal.
Veteran Leadership
Indiana leaned heavily on its seasoned veterans to provide stability during their Finals run.
Mark Jackson, the veteran point guard, played an integral role in orchestrating the Pacers’ offense with his court vision and unselfish play.
A 12-year NBA veteran at the time, Jackson brought invaluable experience to the team.
Chris Mullin, though in the twilight of his career, was another key veteran.
Known for his scoring and basketball IQ, Mullin provided valuable minutes off the bench.
Meanwhile, Sam Perkins, affectionately nicknamed “Big Smooth,” brought three-point shooting and defensive versatility as a power forward.
Derrick McKey and Austin Croshere rounded out the veteran core, offering grit and defensive prowess in key matchups.
Rising Stars and Role Players
The youthful talent on the roster added energy and depth.
Al Harrington and Jonathan Bender, both under 21 years old, represented the future of the franchise.
While their roles were limited during the Finals, their potential was evident.
Big men like Dale Davis and rookie Jeff Foster provided rebounding and interior toughness, essential in battling the dominant Lakers frontcourt led by Shaquille O’Neal.
Žan Tabak, another towering presence, contributed veteran savvy in limited minutes.
The Finals Journey
The Pacers’ path to the Finals was anything but easy.
They finished the regular season with a 56-26 record, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
After defeating the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers in the first two rounds, Indiana faced a gritty New York Knicks team in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Behind Miller’s heroics and the team’s depth, the Pacers triumphed in six games, earning their long-awaited shot at the championship.
Matched up against the Los Angeles Lakers, led by a young Kobe Bryant and a dominant Shaquille O’Neal, the Pacers fought valiantly.
While they won two games in the series and pushed the Lakers to the brink in others, they couldn’t overcome O’Neal’s historic Finals performance.
A Legacy Remembered
Though the Pacers fell short of their championship dreams, the 2000 roster remains a cherished part of Indiana sports history.
Their resilience and ability to compete on basketball’s biggest stage solidified their place among the NBA’s elite.
More importantly, they set a high standard for future Pacers squads, inspiring a generation of fans to believe in the dream of bringing an NBA title to Indiana.
The legacy of Reggie Miller, Rik Smits, and their teammates continues to resonate, a testament to the skill, heart, and unity of that unforgettable team.
107.5 Featured Video