Indiana Pacers 50th Anniversary: All-Decade Team, 1977-87

Billy Knight

Statistics: 18.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.4 APG

Billy Knight was a player who defied description. He had a very awkward-looking game, but there was nothing awkward about his level of productivity.

Knight excelled in both the ABA and NBA, making the All-Star team in each league. His best statistical season came in 1975-76 when he posted 28.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per contest.

Like Johnny Davis, Knight was a key component of the Pacers’ 1980-81 playoff team. Billy Knight was also part of an ABA Finals team in Indiana, so his contributions to the franchise not only spanned eight seasons, but two pro leagues as well.

Knight could score on a variety of moves and he was an efficient shooter. In addition to being a good rebounder for his size, he was also very reliable throughout his career, rarely missing a game due to injury.

Knight had an unusual playing style that was fun to watch, and he had a laid-back demeanor on and off the court that made him very likable. Billy Knight was a stalwart on the Pacers’ teams of the late-ABA/early-NBA years, making his inclusion on this list a must.