The Indiana Pacers' history boasts great players despite not clinching an NBA title, with a notable Finals appearance in 2000. Assessing the best Pacers involves examining advanced metrics like Player Efficiency Rating (PER). One standout is Jermaine O'Neal, ranking seventh in career PER at 19.5 due to his shot-blocking prowess and impressive stats during his eight seasons with the Pacers. O'Neal's time in Indiana saw him as a prolific scorer, seven-time All-Star, and recipient of All-NBA honors, yet his career was overshadowed by his involvement in the infamous Malice in the Palace, leading to his departure from the team.

The Big Picture

The analysis on the greatest Pacers based on PER reveals the impact of key players in the team's history.

By the Numbers
  • Jermaine O'Neal's career PER: 19.5
  • O'Neal's averages with the Pacers: 18.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game
  • Number of seasons O'Neal played with the Pacers: 8
  • O'Neal's All-Star appearances with the Pacers: 7
  • O'Neal's All-NBA selections: 3
State of Play
  • Jermaine O'Neal holds the seventh spot in career PER for the Pacers.
  • O'Neal's career in Indiana was marked by scoring prowess and multiple accolades, including All-Star and All-NBA selections.
Bottom Line

Jermaine O'Neal's impact on the Pacers, highlighted by his impressive PER and on-court achievements, is marred by his involvement in the Malice in the Palace, shaping his career trajectory with the team.