Chicago Bulls Dream Team

 

As players get bigger, stronger and faster coupled with rules of

the game being in constant change, conventional wisdom suggests

that players from different eras cannot be compared. However, I

have decided to defy those odds. 

The Chicago Bulls entered the NBA in 1967, marking the third time

the NBA had a franchise in Chicago. Previously, there was the

Chicago Packers/Zephyrs, who are now the Washington Wizards

and Chicago Stags (1946-1950).

The peak time in franchise history was the 1990s, when the franchise

won six NBA titles in eight years including two threepeats (1991-1993;

1996-1998). Led on the court by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen

and coached by Phil Jackson, the Bulls were not only NBA royalty

but popularized the league on a global level. In between threepeats,

Jordan retired from the NBA and was trying his hand at Minor League

baseball. ESPN recently paid tribute to the Bulls of the Jordan era. It

was a ten-part documentary that chronicled the Bulls’ rise from

obscurity to NBA icon. 

The franchise has also had numerous playoff seasons as well as a

handful of fallow years, including six seasons following the dynasty

era. The Bulls have also had heated rivalries with the Detroit Pistons,

New York Knicks, Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Today, I put together a Bulls Dream Team. There are some rigid

criteria in making this team. First of all, the player needed to have

played for the Bulls for a minimum of four seasons -- no exceptions.

That means, no Dennis Rodman, even though he played a significant

role in the Bulls’ second threepeat (1996-1998). Rodman was only a

Bull for three seasons. 

Since the free agency era began 30 years ago, that standard needs

to be in place. Two-year rentals don’t make this list. This roster is

all-encompassing from all eras.

Personality or legal flaws are not a deterrent to making this team.

This is basketball, not the Boy Scouts. Being in the Hall of Fame is

the first consideration coupled with impact on the franchise. The

number of All-NBA seasons are a top consideration with longevity

also helping immensely. While I understand it is hard to compare

eras, I’m not going to convolute this discussion. 

Generational reminders

For openers, the NBA has existed in seasons other than 1991-1998,

when the Bulls won their six titles. Translation, just because a player

was a Bull in that span, he is not automatically on this team.

Conversely, if a player shined during a non-championship

contending season, that is not a disqualifer. 

To further the challenge, the modern game has evolved into

positionless basketball. The roster will comprise 15 players

encompassing all eras. The starting lineup will be position specific,

after that it will be the best of the rest with four years playing for the

franchise being the first requirement. 

So, if you want to make a case for a player being on the team, don’t

just tell me he should be there and why, tell me who you would

remove. Before you make a case to put someone on the list, ask

yourself, “Who do I take off the list at that position?”

Starting five

Point guard: Derrick Rose

Much of Rose's legacy is “What could have been?” because of

troublesome knee injuries. Rose, however, put together enough of

a body of work in his seven seasons to belong in the starting lineup

on this team. During his time in a Bulls uniform, Rose averaged 17.9

points in 6.2 assists per game.

Rose was the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2011. The Bulls won 62

games that season. He was also a three-time All-Star and All NBA

first team in 2011. Rose was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2009. 

Shooting guard: Michael Jordan

Unless you’ve been banished to an igloo at the North Pole, you’ve

probably heard of this guy. Most people view Jordan has the best

player ever to don an NBA uniform. Jordan transcended the game

on and off the court and also has a brand of shoe named after him.

Jordan did all of that while compiling a Hall of Fame career and

delivering six NBA championships to a once downtrodden

franchise.  Even before the Bulls became NBA royalty in the 1990s,

Jordan was appointment television.

Jordan was a six-time NBA Finals MVP, five-time NBA MVP, 14-time

NBA All-Star, three-time NBA All-Star MVP, 10 time all NBA first team,

nine-time NBA all-defensive first-team and NBA Rookie of the Year

in 1985.  Jordan owns an NBA record 30.1 points per game and

33.4 in the playoffs. 

Small forward: Scottie Pippen

Pippen was the perfect Robin to Jordan's Batman. Like Jordan,

Pippen was a tremendous two-way player on the way to a Hall of

Fame career. Pippen was a solid scorer but his best role on offense

was as a facilitator. Defensively, he harassed many opponents like

a doberman.

Though Pippen went on to play for two more NBA teams after the

Bulls dynasty broke up, his best mark came in Chicago helping the

team to six NBA championships. Pippen was a seven-time All-Star,

NBA All-Star game MVP in 1994 and seven-time All NBA (three as

a first-teamer). Pippen was also a 10-time NBA All Defensive

selection (eight as a first-teamer). 

Power forward: Horace Grant

Grant was an underrated cog during the Bulls three-peat between

1991-1993. Though he eventually left the franchise as a free agent,

Grant was no less important to the Bulls establishing one of the best

dynasties in NBA history. Grant was solid defensively and a very

highly rated defensive player who is especially key during the Bulls

1992 championship run.

Grant’s lone All-Star season came in 1994 and two of his NBA All-

Defensive second team selections came in a Bulls uniform. Jordan

and Pippen greatness aside, a case could be made that the Bulls

don't win those three championships without Grant. In a Bulls

uniform, Grant averaged 12.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.

Center: Artis Gilmore

Gilmore is never mentioned among the NBA's all-time great centers

but five years of his 17-year career were more impactful with the

Bulls. Though Gilmore was known as a gentle giant, his game

packed a mean punch. The 7-foot-2 Gilmore was a dominant force

on the way to a Hall of Fame career.

During his time with the Bulls, he averaged a double-double with

19.3 points and 11.1 rebounds per game also with the Bulls,

Gilmore led the league in field-goal percentage twice. three of his

six All-Star Seasons came in Chicago.

Bench (alphabetical order)

Jimmy Butler:

Butler may lack the legacy of other Bulls all-time greats but his

competitiveness and willingness to hold teammates accountable

were Jordan-like. Butler played only six seasons with the Bulls with

three of them being all star campaigns and five being playoff

seasons. During his time in Chicago he averaged 15.6 points, 4.8

rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. This past season Butler led

the Miami Heat to an NBA Finals appearance before losing to the

Los Angeles Lakers.

Luol Deng:

The Bulls went through many peaks and valleys during Deng’s

years. The end of his time in Chicago overlapped the start of the

Derrick Rose era. Deng made two All-Star appearances during his

time with the Bulls along with NBA All-Rookie first team honors in

2005 and NBA All-Defensive second team honors in 2012. In a

Bulls uniform, Deng averaged 16.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.5

assists per game. 

Ben Gordon:

Gordon played a significant role in the franchise’s revival during the

mid-2000s. Between Jordan's last season in 1998 and Gordon's

first season in 2004, the Bulls had never won more than 30 games

in a season. In 2004-2005, the Bulls overcame a 3-14 start to win

47 games and return to the playoffs. Gordon was the NBA Sixth

Man of the Year and All Rookie first team in 2005. Gordon averaged

18.5 points 3.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists during his time with the

Bulls.

Kirk Hinrich:

Hinrich is one of the more underrated players in the history of the

Bulls. He helped the franchise get back to being a playoff team in

the mid-2000s. Hinrich was NBA All Defensive second team in 2007

and NBA All Rookie first team in 2004. During his time with the Bulls,

Hinrich averaged 11.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.

He was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft. 

Bob Love:

From 1968-1976, Love flourished for the Bulls particularly under former

head coach Dick Motta. Love was the second Bulls player to have his

jersey number retired. Love was a three-time All-Star and two-time All

NBA second team. He was also a three-time All NBA second team

selection. During his time in a Bulls uniform, Love averaged 21.3 points

and 6.8 rebounds per game. 

Toni Kukoc:

In a sense, Kukoc was ahead of his time and that he played

positionless basketball before the term was popular. Kukoc had the

ability to play all five positions and was an excellent passer. Kukoc

helped the Bulls win three consecutive championships from 1996-

1998. He was the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 1996. In a Bulls

uniform, he averaged 14.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. 

Joakim Noah:

Noah was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft. His sturdy

defense contributed to the Bulls returning to being among the elite

teams in the Eastern Conference. Both of Noah's All Star appearances

came in a Bulls uniform. He was also All NBA first-team and NBA

Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. He was All NBA Defensive

second team in 2001. In a Bulls uniform, Noah averaged 9.3 points,

9.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.4 block shots. 

Jerry Sloan:

Most people know Sloan for his 23-year head coaching career with

the Utah Jazz. Sloan was one of the best coaches in NBA history

and is in the Hall of Fame but not just for his coaching prowess.

Sloan was nicknamed “The Original Bull” and was the first player

in franchise history to have his number retired. Sloan was a two-

time All-Star, four-time NBA all-defensive first-team and two more

as a second teamer. Sloan averaged 14.7 points, 7.7 rebounds,

2.6 assists and 2.2 steals. The same trademark intensity Sloan

was known for as a coach, he also demonstrated as a player. 

Reggie Theus:

He was known as “Rush Street Reggie” because of his social life.

Theus was the No. 9 overall pick in the 1979 NBA draft and made

an immediate impact in becoming NBA All Rookie first team. He

has spent five seasons with the Bulls and was an All-Star on two

occasions. In a Bulls uniform Theus averaged 18.6 points, 5.6 

assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. 

Chet Walker:

Walker was nicknamed “Chet the Jet” because of his speed and

agility. In Walker’s six seasons with the Bulls, he was an All-Star

three times. On the way to a Hall of Fame career, Walker averaged

20.6 points per game, which is impressive considering he did it in

the pre 3-point shot era. 

Head coach: Phil Jackson

This is an easy choice and it's going to be a long time, if ever,

anything changes. Jackson is widely renowned and considered

the best coach in NBA history. Jackson led his team to 11 NBA

titles, six with the Bulls in an eight year span. Jackson is known

for his use of Tex Winter's Triangle Offense as well as a holistic

approach to coaching that was influenced by Eastern philosophy

and became nicknamed “The Zen Master.” Jackson led the Bulls

to 545 career regular-season victories. The Bulls were 111-41 in

the postseason. Jackson also led the Bulls to a 72-10 season in

1996, best in NBA history until the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors

eclipse that record. That Warriors team, however, did not win the

NBA Title. 

Team: 1995-1996

While the 1990s Bulls have an embarrassment of riches of teams

to choose, this is a pretty easy one given the record-setting status.

This version of the Bulls was buoyed by the return of Jordan

after two years of playing baseball. The team also acquired

Rodman, who was a longtime nemesis as a Piston, from the San

Antonio Spurs. The Bulls were efficient offensively and stifling

defensively. After running roughshod through the regular season,

the Bulls went 15-3 in the postseason. They swept Miami in the

first round, defeated the New York Knicks and five games in the

semifinals, swept the Orlando Magic in the Conference Finals and

defeated the Seattle SuperSonics in six games in the NBA finals. 

Life event leads to different social media approach

 

Sometimes a simple decision can have short-term ramifications that

you hope translates into long term effects. 

Slightly over a month ago, I decided to unplug myself from Facebook

for an undetermined stretch of time. My original plan was to perform

this move at least until the presidential election concluded. I have

been very active on social media, specifically Facebook, since 2008,

and to a lesser extent Twitter and Instagram. It started on a sleepless

night after my wife, Jacqueline, and I welcomed our now 12-year old

twins (Thomas and Danielle) into the world to go along with Juliette,

who turns 14 in March 2021. 

Long story short, I heard about Facebook and decided to establish

an account in the wee hours of the morning because I could not get

back to sleep after helping bottle feed one of the then newborns. The

next thing I know, bada-boom, bada-bing, I see many people pop up

from various pockets of my life. The friend requests come flowing with

abandon from grade school, high school, college, professional and

family life. Facebook was, and still can be, a great place to post

happy occasions including but not limited to family events such as

holidays, youth sporting events, etc. 

Unfortunately, it has also turned into a venue where people get on

their soapbox when it comes to hot button issues like politics, religion

and more recently Covid-19 and social justice issues. Sometimes, it’s

closer to being a Jerry Springer Show episode. I can’t rail against

those people too hard because at times I have been guilty of such.

So, I am thus owning those actions.

Last month, however, I endured a life-altering event. I’m not going to

bore you with details but the company of my employer (Alhambra

Water) nearly had four branches in the Bay Area go on strike. While

I was cautiously optimistic such an event would not happen, going

through two weeks wondering exacted a toll on me mentally and

emotionally. It’s a good thing, I did not check my pressure during

that time. 

During the pandemic, I have been insulated from the reality of losing

my job as so many have since I am an essential worker. So many

emotions went through my mind: how can I provide for my family,

what about losing my medical coverage? For the latter, all three of

my kids are on my plan. 

The day before the contract ultimately passed, I decided it was a

good time to take a hiatus from Facebook. Given how drained I was

mentally and emotionally, the last thing I was in any mood to read

was political posts, Covid-19, social justice reform, etc. My original

plan was to stay off Facebook at least until the Presidential Election

on Nov. 3. Well, I returned the day before because I felt confident

enough in where I was mentally. 

The time away from Facebook has made me re-evaluate the usage

of the platform. I established an Instagram account (vdadamo1972)

mainly because that platform involves sharing pictures and is far

less politically driven. When I returned to Facebook, the unfollow

and hide post buttons continued to become layup lines. I also

realized that perhaps posting on topics that led to unhealthy debate

was making my Facebook life too time consuming. In addition,

perhaps it’s better to use the like button rather than commenting.

Why? Because posting on such topics creates an unnecessary

need to reply to comments. 

I’m not begrudging those who post topics that cause unhealthy

debate because it is their page and it’s not my place to make rules.

Some will argue that we need healthy discourse and also having

uncomfortable conversations is a necessary evil. I concur that it is

necessarily to break barriers but I don’t think social media is the

place to do it. Why? Because people develop keyboard muscles

and resort to rudeness and name calling that they would not have

the plumbing to do in person. I have feelings about the

aforementioned sensitive topics but if someone wants to have

that conversation, I’d rather have it either in person, instant

message, phone, etc. 

Another layer is that too many people think that speaking out on

sensitive topics on social media makes them an activist. It doesn’t

make them an activist any more than me lifting the hood of my car

makes me a mechanic. With the aforementioned sensitive topics,

we frequently hear the phrase, “we need to keep the conversation

going.” I say nonsense, the conversation has gone on long enough.

As the Toby Keith song lyrics go, “a little less talk, a lot more action.”

As a society, we’ve become great at complaining but not very good

about making our communities better. I would be willing to bet that

many people bitching on social media are doing nothing to make

their community better.  

My newfound social media approach has become more about family,

friendship and links to my blog and avoid topics that cause

unhealthy debate. While I was not unhappy before, I find that

approach has made me happier. 

Now it’s on me to stay strong in that approach. 

Indiana Pacers Dream Team

 

As players get bigger, stronger and faster coupled with rules of

the game being in constant change, conventional wisdom

suggests that players from different eras cannot be compared.

However, I have decided to defy those odds. 

The Indiana Pacers entered the ABA in 1967 as one of the

league’s original members. The name Pacers came based on

Indiana being home to the Indianapolis 500 and the state’s history

of harness racing. 

The Pacers were a quick success, winning three ABA titles in four

years. They also appeared in the ABA championship five times in

nine seasons. The Pacers joined the NBA along with three other

teams (Denver, San Antonio, New York Nets) in 1976. Success in

the NBA, however, was hard to find until 1987. 

Though the Pacers have not won an NBA title, they have six Hall of

Famers and have enjoyed some heated rivalries with the New York

Knicks, Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat. The Pacers have made the

postseason 26 times in the previous 34 years. They were on the

precipice of an NBA title in both 1998 and 2000. In 1998, the Pacers

lost in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Chicago

Bulls, who won six NBA titles in eight years. In 2000, the Pacers

reached the NBA Finals only to lose to the Los Angeles Lakers in

six games. The Lakers of that ilk won three consecutive NBA titles. 

Today, I put together a Pacers Dream Team. There are some rigid

criteria in making this team. First of all, the player needed to have

played for the Pacers for a minimum of four seasons -- no exceptions.

Since the free agency era began 30 years ago, that standard needs

to be in place. Two-year rentals don’t make this list. This roster is

all-encompassing from all eras. 

Personality or legal flaws are not a deterrent to making this team.

This is basketball, not the Boy Scouts. Being in the Hall of Fame is

the first consideration coupled with impact on the franchise. The

number of All-NBA seasons are a top consideration with longevity

also helping immensely. While I understand it is hard to compare

eras, I’m not going to convolute this discussion. 

Generational reminders

Being on the Pacers during a season of being a championship

contender does not get you a hall pass on this team. However, being

on the Pacers during a bad season is no deterrent to getting a spot

on this team. Winning or losing eras, all high-level performers get

considered. 

To further the challenge, the modern game has evolved into

positionless basketball. The roster will comprise 15 players

encompassing all eras. The starting lineup will be position specific,

after that it will be the best of the rest with four years playing for the

franchise being the first requirement. 

So, if you want to make a case for a player being on the team, don’t

just tell me he should be there and why, tell me who you would

remove. Before you make a case to put someone on the list, ask

yourself, “Who do I take off the list at that position?”

Starters

Point guard: Vern Fleming

The Pacers’ tradition at this position it's not necessarily the deepest

but Fleming is the best choice. Fleming played 11 seasons in

Indiana and averaged double-figure scoring in each of his first

seven seasons. 

He also finished in the NBA's top 20 in terms of assists four times

during the 80s. Fleming lacked All-Star recognition but he averaged

11.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists in a Pacers uniform. 

Shooting guard: Reggie Miller

If you are looking for a Mr. Pacer, look no further than Miller. He

owns the franchise records for points, steals, assists and minutes

played. Miller is one of the best 3-point shooters ever to put on a

uniform. That being said, his game would fit perfectly today. Miller

finished his career with over 25,000 career points.

Miller helped lead the Pacers to the NBA Finals appearance in 1999-

2000. He was a five-time All-Star and three-time All NBA third team.

Miller is part of the 50-40-90 club (field goal percentage, 3-point

shooting percentage and free throw shooting percentage). Miller

played more games with the same team than all but five players

(John Stockton, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Dirk

Nowitski). 

Small forward: Roger Brown

Brown was known for a quick first step and a jump shot that was

really good from 20 feet. Brown is also one of seven players

unanimously selected to the ABA All-Time team and he is also one

of four players to have his jersey retired by the Pacers. Brown

helped the Pacers to three ABA championships.

Brown was the 1978 NBA playoffs MVP, four-time ABA All-Star and

three time All ABA (one as a first-teamer). Brown was also inducted

into the Hall of Fame. 

Power forward: Jermaine O’Neal

O'Neal was among the first wave of players to enter the NBA from

the high school ranks in the late 1990s. After four fairly nondescript

seasons in Portland, O'Neal blossomed during his years with the

Pacers. O'Neal became a force on both ends of the floor.

All six of O'Neal's All-Star appearances came with the Pacers. He

was also All-NBA second team in 2004 and all NBA 3rd team in two

other Seasons with the Pacers. He was the NBA's most improved

player in 2002. In a Pacers uniform, O'Neal averaged 18.6 points,

9.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.4 block shots per game. 

Center: Rik Smits

Smits was known as the “Dunkin’ Dutchman” but was also one of

the first centers to take his game to the perimeter. In today's game,

that role is known as the stretch five. For the Pacers 1990s playoff

teams, he was often the complimentary player in the post while Miller

roamed the perimeter.

Smits helped the Pacers reach the NBA finals in 1999-2000 and

also helped the Pacers nearly knock off Michael Jordan's Bulls in

1998. His lone All-Star season was in 1998. Smits was also NBA

All-Rookie first team in 1989. 

Bench (alphabetical order)

Mel Daniels:

Daniels is the ABA’s all-time leader in total rebounds and second in

ABA career average rebounds. Daniel helped the Pacers win three

ABA championships and was the two-time ABA MVP. He was also

a seven-time ABA All-Star on the way to a Hall of Fame career. In a

Pacers uniform, he averaged 19.4 points and 16.0 rebounds along

with 1.6 blocks shots.

Dale Davis:

Davis brought a physical brand of basketball to the Pacers. Davis did

not post spectacular stats but he was great at setting screens to help

open the perimeter for Miller. Davis still ranks in the top five in team

history in rebounds, blocked shots. In a Pacers uniform, he averaged

9.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.

Johnny Davis:

After helping the Portland Trail Blazers win their only NBA championship,

Davis had for solidly productive Seasons with the Pacers. Though he

did not earn any All-Star recognition, Davis averaged 16.4 points, 2.4

rebounds 5.4 assists and one point to steal with Indiana. 

Paul George:

The word “versatile” most strongly describes George, who is now a Los

Angeles Clipper. The 6-foot-9 swingman spent his first seven NBA

seasons with the Pacers before being traded to the Oklahoma City

Thunder. George is currently one of the best two-way players in the

NBA. Four of his six All-Star appearances came in a Pacers uniform.

During his time in Indiana, George averaged 18.1 points, 6.3 rebounds,

3.2 assist, and 1.7 steals.

Danny Granger:

Much of Granger's legacy is “what could have been.” Injuries

curtailed Granger's career but he established enough of a body of

work to belong on this roster. Granger was a versatile offensive player

with the ability to drive to the basket, shoot from the perimeter and post

up against smaller Defenders. His only All-Star appearance was in

2009, when he was also voted NBA's most improved player. Despite

the injuries, Granger still ranks among the top 10 in franchise history in

points, steals and blocked shots.

Mark Jackson:

Today's point guards have more of a scoring mentality whereas

Jackson played in an era when point guards were Distributors and

facilitators. In Jackson’s six seasons with the Pacers, he did that very

well. Jackson helped lead the Pacers to an NBA Finals appearance in

2000 and their near victory over the Chicago Bulls in 1998. Jackson

was not the flashiest player but was basketball's version of a

quarterback. During his time with the Pacers, Jackson averaged 8.1

points and 8.0 assists per game.

Freddie Lewis:

Though Lewis is not in the Hall of Fame, there are a segment of people

who believe you should be. Lewis was named to the ABA All-Time

team and helped the Pacers win three ABA championships. He was

the ABA Playoffs MVP in 1972 and four-time ABA All-Star. He was also

the ABA All-Star game MVP in 1975. In a Pacers uniform, Lewis

averaged  16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.

Billy Knight:

Knight had two different stints (1974-1977; 1979-1983)  with the Pacers.

His time also overlapped the franchise’s transition from the ABA to the

NBA. Night is 3rd and all-time in points scored for the Pacers and is

one of only four players to top the 10,000 point plateau in franchise

history. Knight was an ABA All-Star in 1976 and NBA All-Star in 1977.

In a Pacers uniform, he averaged 18.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.4

assists and 1.1 steals.

George McGinnis: 

McGinnis quickly became an impact player in the ABA and on the

way to a Hall of Fame career, became one of four Pacers to have their

jersey number retired. McGinnis helped the Pacers win two

NBA championships and was the ABA playoffs MVP in 1973 and was

the League's MVP in 1975. In a Pacers uniform, McGinnis averaged

a double-double with 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game to go

along with 3.3 assists. 

Bob Netolicky:

Off the court, Netolicky’s mod lifestyle and advocacy for wild animals,

led one sportswriter to call him “the Broadway Joe Namath of the ABA.”

On the court however, he had a smooth jump shot And helped the

Pacers win two ABA championships. He was also a four-time ABA

All-Star in a Pacers uniform, he averaged 15.7 points in 8.9 rebounds

per game. 

Detlef Schrempf:

During his time with the Pacers, Schrempf was the two-time NBA Sixth

Man of the Year. Schrempf played 17 NBA Seasons with four different

teams. Though his most impactful we're with the Seattle

SuperSonics, Schrempf also had four very solid seasons with the

Pacers. During his time in Indiana, he averaged 17.0 points, 8.6

rebounds in 4.1 assists per game. 

Head coach: Bobby “Slick” Leonard

On the way to a Hall of Fame career, Leonard guided the Pacers to

three ABA championships. He is the winningest coach in franchise

history by a significant margin. Leonard guided the Pacers to 529

career regular-season wins in 69 more in the postseason. Leonard

also served as the general manager and his coaching era overlapped

the franchise's transition to the NBA. 

Team: 1997-1998

Though the franchise has three ABA championships to its resume,

the 1998 and 2000 Pacers, are the ones NBA fans remember. Those

two teams did not deliver a championship and had nine players in

common. the 1998 version one two more regular-season games than

the 2000 team. The 1998 team pushed one of the best dynasties in

NBA history, the Chicago Bulls, to seven games before losing. The

2000 team reached the NBA Finals before losing to another heralded

Dynasty, the two thousand leggers. The 2000 team lost to the Lakers

4-2 but never really had a chance to beat them. The 1998 team,

however, nearly derailed the Bulls.