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

Bob Netolicky

Statistics: 15.7 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.1 APG

It seems that most great teams have at least one player who is a real “character.” For the Indiana Pacers of the early 70s, that player was Bob Netolicky.

“Neto” was a talented power forward, but he had a reputation of being a free spirit, and someone who’s interest in playing hard came and went.

When Netolicky was dialed in, however, he was a very productive player. He also added some spice to the Pacers’ locker room and had a way of keeping the mood light, which in retrospect, probably helped the team deal with the pressure of contending for championships year after year.

One of the great Bob Netolicky stories involved his fiery head coach at the time, Bobby “Slick” Leonard.

As mentioned, Neto had a habit of taking nights off (he played, but not with much interest). Leonard often chewed out Netolicky for his lazy attitude, but it all came to a head one night after a game in Minnesota.

Leonard reportedly chased Bob Netolicky with a hockey stick he found in the arena, and threatened to hit him with it if he didn’t shape up. That incident may not have changed Netolicky, but it makes for great nostalgia among long-time Pacers fans.

More hoops habit: NBA: 50 Greatest Players Of All Time

Netolicky was not only a skilled player, but he did tend to come through for the team when they really needed him. Despite his flaws, Neto found a way to make himself an indispensable part of two ABA Championship teams in Indiana.