The defense will want to keep an eye on Bennedict Mathurin. Bennedict Mathurin is a 2-year vet who played ball for Arizona, is playing shooting guard and weighs 210 lbs. From Canada, he has a birthdate of June 19, 2002 and comes in at 6-6. Mathurin has started in 75 contests, and in those contests he averages 15.9 points/G and has compiled 2,880 points. Ben Sheppard is another guy to keep an eye on. Ben Sheppard is a 6-6 shooting guard that checks in at 190 pounds and hails from the United States. He is a 1-year NBA vet with a birthdate of July 16, 2001 and played for Belmont. Last but not least, Obi Toppin should be another player that will be impactful. With a birthday of March 4, 1998, Obi Toppin steps onto the court as the power forward, and he’s a 4-year vet in the NBA. The United States born player comes in at 220 pounds and stands 6-9. Having collected 842 defensive boards and 238 offensive, Toppin has earned 1,080 total rebounds during his NBA career.
2024-25 Indiana Pacers Roster
| Player | Exp | Pos | Height | Weight | Birthdate | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bennedict Mathurin | 2 | SG | 6-6 | 210 | June 19, 2002 | Arizona |
| Ben Sheppard | 1 | SG | 6-6 | 190 | July 16, 2001 | Belmont |
| Obi Toppin | 4 | PF | 6-9 | 220 | March 4, 1998 | Dayton |
| T.J. McConnell | 9 | PG | 6-1 | 190 | March 25, 1992 | Duquesne |
| Tristen Newton | R | SG | 6-5 | 190 | April 26, 2001 | East Carolina University |
| Andrew Nembhard | 2 | SG | 6-5 | 193 | January 16, 2000 | Florida |
| Jarace Walker | 1 | PF | 6-8 | 240 | September 4, 2003 | Houston |
| Tyrese Haliburton | 4 | PG | 6-5 | 185 | February 29, 2000 | Iowa State |
| Johnny Furphy | R | SG | 6-8 | 200 | December 8, 2004 | Kansas |
| Isaiah Jackson | 3 | PF | 6-10 | 206 | January 10, 2002 | Kentucky |
| James Wiseman | 3 | C | 7-0 | 240 | March 31, 2001 | Memphis |
| Pascal Siakam | 8 | PF | 6-8 | 230 | April 2, 1994 | New Mexico State |
| Myles Turner | 9 | C | 6-11 | 250 | March 24, 1996 | Texas |
| Quenton Jackson | 2 | PG | 6-5 | 175 | September 15, 1998 | Texas A&M |
| Enrique Freeman | R | PF | 6-7 | 206 | July 29, 2000 | University of Akron |
| Aaron Nesmith | 4 | SF | 6-5 | 215 | October 16, 1999 | Vanderbilt |
| James Johnson | 15 | PF | 6-7 | 240 | February 20, 1987 | Wake Forest |
The Indiana Pacers are a highly-acclaimed basketball team hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1967 as part of the American Basketball Association (ABA), the franchise underwent a series of transformations before joining the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1976. Throughout their long-standing tenure in the league, the Pacers have risen and fallen, yet they have demonstrated resilience and determination to remain a formidable force in the world of basketball. The Indiana Pacers illustrious journey began in the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a charter member. The Pacers, a name that derives from the states strong tradition of harness racing, were among the founding teams alongside the Kentucky Colonels, Oakland Oaks, and Los Angeles Stars. During their time in the ABA, the Pacers garnered a reputation as a powerhouse team, winning three titles1970, 1972, and 1973under the guidance of legendary coach Babe McCarthy and players such as Connie Hawkins and Mel Daniels. In 1976, the Indiana Pacersalong with the Denver Nuggets, New York Nets, and San Antonio Spursmade the transition to the NBA. However, the road to success was not an easy one. The Pacers struggled to find their footing in the new league, with the team suffering through several losing seasons. Despite the initial setbacks, the Pacers resilience shone as they began assembling a roster of talented players and embarked on a climb towards greatness. One of the defining eras in Pacers history was the 1990s and early 2000s, often referred to as the Reggie Miller Era. The sharpshooting guard was the teams backbone during this time frame, transforming the Pacers into one of the NBAs best teams and consistently making them a threat in the Eastern Conference. The Reggie Miller Era saw memorable playoff runs and intense rivalries with other powerhouse teams, such as the forgetting to add mention of the team’s rebirth in the following years under Frank Vogel, who led the team to their first Eastern Conference Championship in 2000, or any improvements or new acquisitions that made the Pacers a perennial contender in the league. ## The Reggie Miller Era The reggie Miller era was indeed a pivotal time for the Pacers, as the team emerged as a dominant force in the Eastern Conference. Miller’s incredible shooting, coupled with the leadership of head coach Larry Bird, laid the foundation for several deep playoff runs and memorable rivalries. Fans will always remember their fierce battles against the New York Knicks, particularly during the 1994 and 1999 playoffs, which were decided by tightly contested games and clutch performances. But the Pacers’ legacy goes beyond Miller and Bird. The team also had notable players and coaches who contributed significantly to their success. During this era, the Pacers were known for their gritty, no-nonsense, defensive-minded style of play that would often frustrate even the most talented foes. This defensive focus, as well as their strong team chemistry, enabled the Pacers to consistently contend for both conference and NBA championships. The beginning of the 21st century saw the Indiana Pacers undergo a rebuilding phase, with new talent emerging and some established players departing. The team struggled in the early years of the new millennium, but soon enough, they found their footing once again. In 2011, under former player turned head coach Frank Vogel, the Pacers experienced a resurgence, winning two consecutive Central Division titles. This team showcased a balance of veteran leadership and young, promising talent, helping them return as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. In addition, the Pacers’ front office made some key acquisitions to strengthen the team’s roster. Players like Paul George, Jeff Teague, and Victor Oladipo have all made their mark on the franchise in recent years, leaving their indelible stamp on the vibrant history of the Indiana Pacers. As the Indiana Pacers continue to chart their course through the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, they carry with them the proud traditions of their ABA roots and the passion of their loyal fanbase. The journey has seen triumph and adversity, but the team’s tenacity and dedication have never wavered. Through it all, the Pacers remain an essential part of Indiana’s rich sports heritage, an integral thread in the tapestry of basketball history. In conclusion, the story of the Indiana Pacers is one of resilience, evolution, and the pursuit of excellence. As we look to the future, the legacy of this team lives on, inspiring new generations of players and fans alike to dream, to compete, and to rise above the challenges that come their way. The journey doesn’t end here – it continues, ever unfolding with each new chapter, as the Indiana Pacers shape their destiny on the hardwood courts of the NBA.