Mel Daniels NBA Hall of Fame

Mel Daniels Hall Of Fame NBA

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Mel Daniels

Inducted:
2012

Mel Daniels NBA Hall of Fame

Personal Stats:

6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
220 lb (100 kg)

Born:
July 20, 1944
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

Died:
October 30, 2015
Sheridan, Indiana, U.S.

Position:
Center
Coach

College:
Southeastern CC (1963–1964)
New Mexico (1964–1967)

Mel Daniels, born July 20, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, was one of the greatest players in ABA history. A dominant center, Daniels played for the Minnesota Muskies, Indiana Pacers, and Memphis Sounds from 1967 to 1976, earning a reputation for toughness, rebounding, and consistent scoring. He was a two-time ABA Most Valuable Player (1969, 1971) and led the league in rebounding three times. As a cornerstone of the Pacers dynasty, Daniels helped guide the team to three ABA championships (1970, 1972, 1973).

Known for his relentless work ethic and leadership, he averaged 18.4 points and 14.9 rebounds over his career. After retiring as a player, Daniels contributed to the Pacers organization in coaching and front office roles, continuing to shape the franchise’s culture. His excellence on the court and lasting influence off it earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.

Daniels's Awards & Records:

  • 3× ABA champion (1970, 1972, 1973)
  • 2× ABA MVP (1969, 1971)
  • 7× ABA All-Star (1968–1974)
  • ABA All-Star Game MVP (1969)
  • 4× All-ABA First Team (1968–1971)
  • All-ABA Second Team (1973)
  • ABA Rookie of the Year (1968)
  • ABA All-Rookie First Team (1968)

NBA Records:

      • ABA career leader in total rebounds and rebounds per game
      • Only player to win multiple MVPs and three titles with the Pacers
      • Key leader in establishing Indiana’s ABA dominance
      • Known for fierce interior presence and unmatched rebounding tenacity

      Career Teams:

      As a player:
      Minnesota Muskies (1967–1968)
      Indiana Pacers (1968–1974)
      Memphis Sounds (1974–1975)
      New York Nets (1976)
      As a coach:
      Indiana State (1977–1979)
      Indiana Pacers (1984–1993,1988)

      NBA Draft:
      1967: 1st round, 9th overall
      Cincinnati Royals

      Number Worn:
      34, 9

      Career Stats:

      Playing career:
      1967–1976
      Game Played:
      639
      Points:
      11,778 (18.4 ppg)
      Rebounds:
      9,528 (14.9 rpg)
      Assists:
      1,140 (1.8 apg)
      Field Goal %:
      46.8%
      FT(%):
      65.7
      Championships:
      3 (1970, 1972, 1973)
      ABA MVP Awards:
      2 (1969, 1971)