24
Oct
4 min read
NBA's Greatest Players in History: Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller #31 of the Indiana Pacers blows into his hands during the pre game warm up before Game five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Boston Celtics during the 2005 NBA Playoffs at Fleet Center on May 3, 2005 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Pacers defeated the Celtics 90-85 to take a 3-2 lead in their series. Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Pacers Legend, 3-Point King, and Knicks Nemesis
- All-time leader in 3-pointers made at retirement (2,560)
- Five-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection
- Indiana Pacers' all-time leading scorer with 25,279 points
- Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team
Reggie Miller, the sharpshooting guard, revolutionised the 3-point shot and became one of the NBA's most clutch performers during his 18-year career with the Indiana Pacers.
Overview
Reggie Miller's impact on basketball extends far beyond his impressive statistics. As one of the deadliest shooters in NBA history, Miller helped transform the game by showcasing the true value of the three-point shot. His ability to hit clutch shots and thrive under pressure made him a feared opponent and a beloved figure in Indiana.
Career snapshot
Miller spent his entire 18-year NBA career with the Indiana Pacers, from 1987 to 2005. During this time, he established himself as one of the greatest shooters in league history, retiring as the all-time leader in three-pointers made with 2,560. Miller was selected to five All-Star teams and earned three All-NBA Third Team selections.
Playing style
While primarily known for his three-point shooting, Miller was a complete offensive player. His quick release and ability to shoot off screens made him nearly impossible to guard. Miller's lanky frame and constant movement without the ball allowed him to create space and get open looks. He was also an excellent free-throw shooter, with a career average of 88.8% from the line.
Miller's game wasn't just about scoring. He was an underrated passer and a savvy defender who used his basketball IQ to disrupt opponents. His durability was also remarkable, playing in all 82 games in 9 different seasons.
Why Reggie Miller is on our list
Reggie Miller's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBA players is due to several factors:
- Three-point prowess: Miller revolutionised the use of the three-point shot, paving the way for future sharpshooters.
- Clutch performances: His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, particularly against the New York Knicks, cemented his legacy.
- Longevity and consistency: Miller's 18-year career with a single franchise demonstrates his enduring impact and value.
- Cultural impact: His rivalry with the Knicks and on-court persona made him one of the most recognisable and polarising figures in 1990s basketball.
Five Fast Facts
- Miller scored 8 points in 8.9 seconds against the Knicks in the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals
- He is the Pacers' all-time leader in points, games played, and minutes played
- Miller scored a career-high 57 points against the Charlotte Hornets in 1992
- He played in 144 playoff games, reaching the NBA Finals in 2000
- Miller's No. 31 jersey was retired by the Indiana Pacers in 2006
Career Highlights Timeline
1987: Drafted 11th overall by the Indiana Pacers
1990: First All-Star selection
1994: Led Pacers to Eastern Conference Finals, losing to Knicks in 7 games
1995: Famous 8 points in 8.9 seconds against Knicks in playoffs
1996: Member of gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic basketball team
2000: Led Pacers to NBA Finals, losing to Lakers
2005: Final NBA season, retiring as all-time leader in three-pointers made
Miller's career was defined by his clutch performances, particularly against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. His ability to silence hostile crowds and hit big shots in crucial moments made him one of the most feared opponents of his era. The rivalry between Miller's Pacers and the Knicks became one of the most intense and memorable in NBA history.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Miller's impact on the game of basketball cannot be overstated. He helped popularise the three-point shot, demonstrating its value as both a scoring weapon and a way to space the floor. Today's NBA, with its emphasis on three-point shooting and perimeter play, owes much to the trail blazed by Miller.
Miller's loyalty to the Indiana Pacers throughout his career endeared him to fans and made him synonymous with the franchise. His number 31 jersey hanging in the rafters of Bankers Life Fieldhouse serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in Indiana and the NBA as a whole.
In retirement, Miller has remained close to the game as a television analyst, where his insight and charisma have made him a popular figure among fans. His induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 was the ultimate recognition of his contributions to the sport.
Reggie Miller's combination of shooting prowess, clutch performance, and longevity make him one of the most dominant and influential players in NBA history. While he may not have the championship rings of some of his contemporaries, his impact on the game and his ability to perform when it mattered most ensure his place among basketball's greatest players.
