Top 5 Rebounders In Pacers History

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Post on Oct 26, 2024

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Top 5 Rebounders in Pacers History: A Look at the Glass-Cleaning Legends

The Indiana Pacers have a rich history of tough, physical players who dominated the boards. They weren't always the flashiest team, but one thing was certain: they could rebound with the best of them. From the days of the ABA to the present, the Pacers have had some absolute monsters who cleaned the glass.

Let's take a look at the top 5 rebounders in Pacers history.

1. Mel Daniels (1967-1975): The OG

Mel Daniels, a true ABA legend, is the undisputed king of rebounding in Pacers history. This guy was a machine on the boards, averaging an absurd 16.2 rebounds per game across his eight seasons in Indy. Daniels was a force of nature, known for his physicality and relentless hustle. He wasn't afraid to mix it up with anyone, and his raw power made him a nightmare for opposing players trying to box him out.

2. Jermaine O'Neal (1999-2008): The All-Star Powerhouse

Jermaine O'Neal, the franchise cornerstone of the early 2000s Pacers, was a beast on the boards. With his long arms and incredible athleticism, O'Neal averaged 10.7 rebounds per game during his time in Indiana. He had the ability to grab boards with both hands, making him a nightmare for opponents. His dominant presence in the paint helped the Pacers become one of the best defensive teams in the league.

3. Rik Smits (1988-1998): The Dutch Giant

At 7'4", Rik Smits was hard to miss and an absolute beast in the paint. He wasn't as active as some other players on this list, but his size and reach made him a rebounding machine. He averaged 8.8 rebounds per game over his 11 seasons with the Pacers. Smits was a skilled scorer, but his rebounding prowess shouldn't be overlooked.

4. Roy Hibbert (2008-2014): The Anchor of the Defense

Roy Hibbert was a defensive force for the Pacers during their run to the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals. He anchored the defense with his size and shot-blocking ability but was also an excellent rebounder. He averaged 8.3 rebounds per game during his time in Indiana. Hibbert's rebounding skills helped the Pacers dominate the paint on both ends of the floor.

5. Paul George (2010-2017): The All-Around Star

Paul George might not be known as a classic "rebounding guy" but he was a consistent contributor on the boards. He averaged 6.8 rebounds per game during his time with the Pacers, demonstrating his versatility and ability to contribute in all areas of the game. George's rebounding skills were crucial to the Pacers' success during his time there.

These five players, along with many others, have helped the Pacers become known for their tough, physical style of play. They weren't always the most talented team, but they always had the heart and grit to battle on the boards. That's part of what makes the Pacers so special.