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Indiana Pacers’ All-Time Starting Five

By Colby Giacubeno

Mar 21, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; TV announcer Reggie Miller during the game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Mercer Bears of a men
Mar 21, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; TV announcer Reggie Miller during the game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Mercer Bears of a men /
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Center – Rik Smits

Rik Smits was the No. 2 overall pick by Indiana in the 1988 draft. The 7’4″ big man from the Netherlands was an enormous presence in the paint for all 12 of his seasons for the Pacers. Smits came in as a backup to Steve Stipanovich, but after Stipanovich suffered an injury that would end his career, Smits started 71 games in his rookie campaign. From then on, he was the anchor down low for the Pacers. He was an NBA All-Star once in 1998.

Smits averaged 14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists throughout his career. During the 90’s when the Pacers were continuous playoff contenders, Smits was the second option to Reggie Miller in terms of scoring. His size overwhelmed many of the NBA’s big men and gave him a huge advantage on both ends of the floor.

Smits rounds up the all-time starting five, and looking at a front court including O’Neal and himself would combine for complete dominance defensively, while also scoring at an extremely efficient rate on offense.

Next: 50 Greatest NBA Players Without a Championship

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