Indiana Pacers 50th Anniversary: All-Decade Team, 1967-77

Mel Daniels

Statistics: 19.4 PPG, 16.0 RPG, 1.9 APG

Center Mel Daniels was a dominant force for the Indiana Pacers during much of their first decade in professional basketball. Daniels was an effective inside scorer and one of the best rebounders in pro basketball history.

Daniels played one season for the Minnesota Muskies of the ABA before being dealt to the Pacers in 1968. Daniels spent six seasons in Indiana and was a huge part of all three ABA Championships won by the Pacers.

Mel Daniels has a basketball resume that can be matched by very few, including seven ABA All-Star appearances and two league MVP selections (1969 and 1971).

Daniels added toughness and intimidation to the Indiana Pacers in addition to his impressive statistical productivity.

Interestingly, after his playing days ended, Mel Daniels took an assistant coaching job at Indiana State University, working under his college head coach, Bob King. Daniels helped coach a young forward who would also make quite a name for himself in the basketball world: Larry Bird.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed Mel Daniels to its ranks in 2012, cementing his status as an all-time great in the annals of pro basketball.