Whose Jersey Should Follow No. 31 into Rafters?
If you'd like to pose a Question of the Day to Conrad Brunner, submit it along with your full name and hometown to Bruno's_mailbag@pacers.com. Brunner’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pacers players, coaches or management.
QUESTIONOF THE DAY Conrad Brunner |
Q. I might be a little (biased) on this (I'm also Dutch), but I think Rik Smits' jersey No. 45 should be retired. I feel he was a cornerstone of where the Pacers stand today. He played all his NBA games for the Pacers with outstanding numbers and contributed to what I think is one of the best franchises in the league. Am I saying something that is totally wishful thinking from my end or does it make sense? (From Tim in Den Bosch, The Netherlands)
 |
A. We all know the first jersey retired from the Pacers' NBA era will be that of Reggie Miller, and rightfully so. Once that happens, two new questions will arise. Should any other numbers soon be hoisted alongside Miller's No. 31? If so, who should be the next? A number of candidates come to mind: Smits, Chuck Person, Detlef Schrempf, Mark Jackson and Dale Davis. Compelling arguments can be made for each.
In franchise history, Smits is in the top 10 in almost every major statistical category. He's second to Reggie in seasons (12), games (867), minutes (23,100), field goals made (5,301), field goals attempted (10,461) and points (12, 871). He's at the top of the list in blocked shots (1,111). Combine those numbers with the importance of the role Smits played during the team's run of five Eastern Conference Finals appearances in seven seasons, culminating with the NBA Finals trip in 2000, and it's easy to see why his name so often comes up in this discussion.
But you must consider the context of a jersey retirement. That's an honor belonging only to the truly great players in franchise history: Mel Daniels, George McGinnis, Roger Brown and, sometime in the not-too-distant future, Reggie. While Smits, Person, Jackson, Davis and Schrempf all were stars, it can be argued they were not truly great players. This is not to discount the importance of their contributions or productivity, rather to illustrate the rarity and exclusivity of a jersey retirement.
There's no question Reggie's No. 31 belongs. The same should be said of any number that follows his into the rafters. This is an honor about which there can be no debate. That's why I have a sneaking suspicion the next jersey to hang next to No. 31 will bear No. 7.
