With the hype of the offseason coming to an end, I have decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to examine each team’s specific All-NBA First Team. What I mean by this is- following the criteria set by the NBA for the All-NBA Team rules, I will examine and elaborate on my picks for each team’s specific All-NBA First Team.

G- Reggie Miller: 1987–2005

From his first game in 1987 until his final game in 2005, Reggie Miller was the face of the Indiana Pacers. His gritty on court demeanor and “never give up” mentality perfectly symbolized the toughness and resilience of the Pacers’ teams he was part of. He’s the team’s all-time leader in games played, minutes played, points scored, three point field goals made, free throws made, assists, and steals.

During his time in Indiana, Miller established himself as one of the deadliest three point shooters of all-time. At the time of his retirement in 2005, Miller was the NBA’s all-time leader in three point field goals made. From 1987 to 2002, Miller finished in the top ten of total three point shots made, finishing first twice.

Although a terrific three-point shooter, Miller was much more than just that. He was a tenacious defender and terrific slasher. He was terrific at driving to the basket and finding open teammates. Miller appeared on the All-NBA Third Team three times and played in five All-Star games.

From 1989 to 2005 Miller’s Pacers made the playoffs in every season, reaching the NBA finals in 2000.

G- Mark Jackson: 1994–1996, 1997–2000

Mark Jackson spent six of his 17 seasons with the Pacers. During his time in Indiana, Jackson thrived as a passer, leading the team in assists. His ability to find open teammates and pass out of double teams greatly benefited his prolific scoring teammate Reggie Miller.

The Pacers appeared in the Playoffs in all six of Jackson’s seasons with the team, reaching the finals in his last season with the team in 2000.

Like Miller, Jackson had a tough on-court demeanor, which perfectly captured the Midwest mentality of the city of Indiana.

F- Paul George: 2010-Present

In six short seasons, Paul George has established himself as one of the best Pacers of all time. Other than the 2014–2015 season, in which he played in only six games, George has consistently improved his game- exceeding the expectations that were bestowed upon him after being drafted in 2010.

George has played in three All-Star games and has been a member three All-NBA Third Teams. He’s not only been the best offensive player on the Pacers during his tenure, but also, he has been the best defensive player. He brings it on both ends of the floor. Since joining the team in 2010, George has led the team in total steals in all but one of his seasons. Despite missing all but six games in 2014–2015, George still leads the team in almost every other major statistical category since joining the team.

Last season, George averaged 23.1 points per game, the highest single game average for a Pacer since 2008. Outside of Reggie Miller, name me a better Pacer (since they joined the NBA) than Paul George. Unlike Danny Granger, George is an all-around player, in that George not only scores and defends, but he also has an uncanny ability to make his teammates better.

George has led the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals twice, coming within one win of reaching the finals in 2013.

F- Jermaine O’Neal: 2000–2008

Jermaine O’Neal spent the prime of his career with the Pacers, making all six of his All-Star and all three of his All-NBA Team (1x Second Team, 2x Third Team) appearances during that span. The Pacers made the playoffs six of his eight seasons.

After being acquired following the 1999 season, O’Neal quickly developed into one of the NBA’s most dangerous bigs. His rough demeanor was similar to that of Reggie Miller, making O’Neal the perfect Robin to Miller’s Batman.

As a member of the Pacers, O’Neal averaged 19.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. His 2.5 blocks per game is the highest single game average for any Pacers’ player. His 228 blocks in 2001 is a Pacers’ single season record.

C- Rik Smits: 1988–2000

Rik Smits was never the most dominant player nor was he the most exciting player, but what he was was efficient and a player who did everything that was asked of him. Smits spent his entire 12-year NBA career with the Pacers and alongside Reggie Miller was a defining face of the franchise during that span. Smits played in one All-Star game during his career.

The Pacers made the playoffs in 11 of his 12 seasons, making the NBA finals in his final season in 2000. Smits is number two in points scored, games played, and blocks in Pacers’ history.