Could The Pacers Use More Decorative Banners In The Rafters?
by spstevenson on Nov 8, 2009 12:25 AM EST
in Indiana Pacers News
Email
PrintThey are the symbol of a franchise. The past stuffed into a single number. The history crammed into the rafters of an arena.
Banners of retired jersey numbers act as bodiless tombstones hung high above the present bundle of front office staff, coaches and players. They wave in the cross-hairs of high altitutude to represent the past keeping an eye on the present. They're making sure that no one forgets.
On Friday, the Indiana Pacers added another name and banner to the rafters of the Fieldhouse. The man who, along with his brother Herb, helped save the franchise from relocation was honored with his own banner. Now, Mel Simon's marker keeps watch over the blue and gold along with Mel Daniels, Roger Brown, Georgie McGinnis, Reggie Miller and coach Bobby "Slick" Leonard. The pantheon of Pacers pride.
But should the Pacers reserve the Jersey Legends just for the Mount Rushmore of Pacers royalty, or is it time to begin opening the door for a grander overview of the franchise, thus allowing a new society of notoriety and knighthood to grow? The reason it popped into my mind was because of that big, awkward-looking 7-foot-4 dude sitting courtside during Friday's game. I think he's a famous BMX rider.
The decision to either put Rik Smits' name in lights or keep him off guest list is near the borderline for how the Pacers handle jersey ceremonies in the future. When we look up at the rafters 15 years from now, will Smits, Dale Davis, Mark Jackson and others be added to the list, or will it be just Danny Granger (fingers crossed) as the only one joining the hallowed ranks? The rest of the NBA doesn't offer a clear choice...
Each NBA team has its own way of honoring those who have served the team.
Some teams honor only the best. The Lakers have seven franchise players who changed the course of team history during the 60's, 70's and 80's. Compared to the Celtics, the Lakers have one of the stingiest and exclusive banner hanging clubs around. The Celts, the only team that can aptly be considered more successful than the Lakers in NBA history, have 23 numbers and more swaying in their home.
Some teams honor fallen heroes (Timberwolves - Malik Sealy, Hornets - Bobby Phillis), while other teams honor other team's heroes (Heat - Michael Jordan and Dan Marino). Some teams honor franchise stalwarts (Jazz - Mark Eaton), while other teams honor even just the minimal time spent with greatness (Nets - Julius Erving, Suns - Charles Barkley).
There is no blueprint. Each team does it differently. But if you compare teams based on retired jerseys for players who played the majority of their careers from 1980-present, the Pacers rank near the bottom of the league. With only one player from 80's and 90's generation (Uncle Reg), Indiana is right on par with a team like the Knicks, which also has only honored one member from those big time 90's squads (Patrick Ewing). Other teams that had successful runs in the 80's and 90's have been much more lenient in their presentations.
The Suns lead the pack with seven members added in the modern era. The Celtics and Jazz have added six each, and most of the other squads pack three or more additions of players who played in the 80's and beyond. The Pacers are in the "one and done" club with the Knicks, Timberwolves and Hornets.
So there's the spectrum. I can see the benefits of both sides. Keep the list low and reserved for the toppermost of the poppermost and you've distinguished your Roll of Fame for the very best that ever was that wore your jersey. The exclusivity keeps you from becoming like the Jazz, which even considered raising a banner for Lewis Scott from Celtic Pride.
But opening the door to more players who allowed this franchise to stay in Indiana, rise to the top of the NBA ranks for nearly two full decades and also to build one of the best arenas in the league could use a little lovin' too. Hey, and maybe you boost Rik Smits retro jersey sales while you're at it. Everybody wins.
Whichever side of the fence you reside on, here's an opportunity to rank which other players would go first in the jersey line, and where you would draw the line on who makes the cut. I guess I'd go with Smits and Jackson as the next batch of people. If you were running the Pacers, how would you handle the jersey conundrum?
12 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Lewis Scott, HA!
Nice one. That really made me laugh out loud. But I think here’s a good rule of thumb: Win a title and we’ll consider it. I know Reggie never won a title but no one can deny that he’s a Pacer legend. I personally think that Slick having a banner is pretty busch league, but whatever. Mel Simon was a vital part of keeping the team in Indy, so I have no problem with that. But suggesting that Smits, an important part of many teams that never made the leap to champions of the NBA, should get his jersey retired is, in my opinion, wrong. Smits is a ONE TIME NBA All Star. I hate to say it, but if we win the title in 2000 then yes, Smits is in (due to the time and effort he put in as a Pacer). But, in all reality, he wasn’t that great compared to the rest of the NBA.
As for Mark Jackson, he also is a one time All Star (and that wasn’t even with the Pacers). I for one value and love Mark for his time here, not only because he was a consumate professional but also because he was good. But jersey retiring good? I don’t think so. I think Mel and Slick are fine, its more of a social/Indy/franchise building respect. But if we’re going to start suggesting that key players on playoff teams get a jersey retirement, then Jermaine O’Neal’s 7 has to go in the rafters. And that would make me puke. The right course of action is to be stingy, only let the real difference makers be retired. And if you think differently, then put Hillman up there, nobody had a better ’fro.
by TheHawk5 on Nov 8, 2009 12:51 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
It's Fine How It Is
Smits and Jackson were good, had they won a title then definitely, but they didn’t, so no… If you put to many up there, it loses its significance. Wait till the Pacers win a title before adding any more!
by FortWayneKarl on Nov 8, 2009 12:54 AM EST via mobile reply actions
It's an interesting question to be sure
Smits is actually the only one I would include. All the others (Jackson, both Davises, Mullin, Rose) spent time in other uniforms, including some decent seasons elsewhere; or they were fan favorites (Perkins, Best, McKey (both categories actually), Croshere) that were only role players. I think the case of the Pacers here is unique, in that there were many great teams, but only really one great player (Reggie). I think New York is very similar.
Cards, Colts, and Pacers - Baseball, football, and basketball or gambling, guns, and old cars?
Regarding titles...
The Kings just retired Vlade Divac’s number and they didn’t get any closer than we did (actually, we got closer). They also retired the fans, which is the dumbest thing ever.
But I think Smits deserves to be up there. Retired numbers should be a celebration of greatness within the franchise. Rik Smits is without a doubt one of the five best Pacers of all time. If he’s not a Pacers legend, then who is?
Honestly, however, from our runs in the 90’s-00’s, Smits is the only player I consider. I think he should be up there, but I can definitely understand the other side of the argument. If Smits is the best player we’re leaving out of the rafters, then I guess there are worse things.
#45
My buddy and I were actually having this exact same discussion during the game the other night. I think Smits is the only player in our franchise history (that isn’t already up there) that should possibly have his number hanging from the rafters. Just because a player isn’t a Hall of Fame player doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a special spot within the history of their franchise, especially when that player is dedicated enough to spend their entire career in one city. I’m all for honoring the Dunking Dutchman. If they ever retire J.O.‘s jersey number, I will boo the entire ceremony. O’Neal, Artest, S-Jax, Tinsley, etc. all have their place in franchise history already. It’s that chapter where the team implodes.
Smits is God
Well maybe thats a stretch but he still deserves to have his own banner. He played his entire professional career in Indiana and still lives here. As goodlucksaturday mentioned he is one of the 5 greatest pacers in history with some of the most memorable memories in pacers history. I think what another question is how would smits do if he played right now against the leagues current centers. During his career he had Robinson, Ewing, Hakeem, Shaq (the in shape version), Alonzo Mourning and you could even count Mutumbo as legitimate centers he had to deal with every night. Who’s better than Smits playing right now? Howard, Pao? Then what.
If Youre not First, Youre Last
by drsuessrunner07 on Nov 8, 2009 11:16 AM EST reply actions
Yes!
Smits is Forever! I would be courtside for sure for that ceremony. I think he certainly deserves it. Played his entire career here. Was the second scorer on each 90’s team that brought this team to the next level. Played on the Finals team. Had the best nickname and also looked great with a shaved head. I’d love to see #45 go up there. Go Smits!
No problem with Smits. Whole career. Still lives in Indy.
But I have to think that Foster is next. Whole career. Will move to the front office when he’s done. Exemplifies hard work ethic and Pacer pride.
by indy62 on Nov 8, 2009 2:56 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Nah
No Foster. The thing with Smits is he was actually a key part of those teams, the second guy. Foster never was. Foster will be remembered fondly for how he played, and that he did it right, but he’ll never have a banner, unless he goes on to do something for the franchise in the future that somehow proves banner worthy.
No
I think that the banners should be a very exclusive club. The players we honor now all have deserved it and to add a bunch more with lesser credentials would take away from those already up there.
by Peter_sixtyftsixin on Nov 8, 2009 11:19 PM EST reply actions
Smits happens.
If there would be anybody to be even considered for a slot in the rafters, Rik would be at the top with Mark coming behind in a close second. I think there are other things that you must consider than just the play of an individual. Character off the court is a big one too. You have to praise players with talented skill and great career acheivements, but you also have to award selfless service, honor, integrity, and character. Those were something the teams of this decade were sorely lacking. Rest assured people. #s 1, 7, 11, 15, and 23 will be readily available to future Pacer players for years to come. But Rik had all the forementioned traits. Mark Jackson had all the forementioned traits and then some (Plus he had the shimmy, which was always cool). If traits like that are lauded in the halls and the rafters of Conseco, it builds a franchises history. It is a reminder for anyone who steps onto that court: This is how we built ourselves, and this is what we stand for. I feel if you base retiring a number solely on statistical accomplishments, then Rik and Mark do not get in. If you consider all those personal traits along with statistical accomplishments, then the talk is very much alive. But I believe honoring a history of the good times with players of character and integrity are important. It reminds anyone who attends the games, works for the front office, or puts on a uniform who we are and what we stand for.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Indy Cornrows
Related FanShots on Indy Cornrows
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
