8p9s Roundtable: Is It Time To Panic Yet? by Ben Gibson

Most people will say “Reggie Miller,” without hesitation, if asked who the greatest player in Indiana Pacers history is. That’s fine: Reggie put this team on the national map, and I personally never would have cared much about the franchise if he didn’t light up the Knicks on my television set throughout the 1990s.

But to the older generation, Mel Daniels is just as deserving for that honor.

He was a two-time ABA MVP and led the Pacers to three championships. Even more impressive, Indiana appeared in five ABA Finals in a seven-years stretch, a run of dominance that led Terry Pluto, in his seminal oral history of the American Basketball Association, Loose Balls, to deem the Pacers “The Boston Celtics of the ABA.” (If you are a Pacers fan and haven’t read this book … I mean … c’mon … Go do that right now.)

Daniels’ on-court accolades were second-to-none in the oft-forgotten league whose influence — through its style, its financial pressure, and of course 3-point line — profoundly changed basketball.

But he didn’t stop there.

The Hall of Famer has been around the team for most of his life, helping current players improve their game and understand what it means to be a part of this franchise. He has also had a deep, lifelong friendship with former teammate Bob Netolicky and many around the Pacers say that this type of bond shows just how special he was — as a man in addition to a player.

Here is how the Pacers honored Mel this weekend during their game against the Utah Jazz.

A few Pacers and ex-players also shared their love for Mel on social media.

So sorry to hear of Mr Mel Daniels passing…A good man whom I respected dearly…Peace Be upon his Family. — David West (@D_West30) October 31, 2015

He always shared his experiences and offered "Man" advice…I always appreciated that…U will be missed Sir!!! — David West (@D_West30) October 31, 2015

RIP to Mel Daniels always had words of wisdom for me during my 7 years with the @pacers. Firmest handshake ever! — Roy Hibbert (@Roy_Meets_World) October 30, 2015

RIP Mel. He loved the Pacers! Our prayers go out to his family. — Kevin Pritchard (@PacersKev) October 30, 2015

RIP Mel.. — Shayne Whittington (@Whittington21) October 30, 2015

R.I.P to the great Mel Daniels one of the nicest persons ive ever met…was always in my corner and positive…you will be missed — Donald Sloan (@dsloan15) October 30, 2015

The Pacers will also honor Mel again tomorrow night at halftime of their game against the Detroit Pistons with a longer tribute. Then, on Thursday at 1:00 pm, the team will hold a formal public memorial service in conjunction with Mel’s wife, CeCe, and his former teammates.

Mel — the man, the legend, the Pacer — will be missed by all.