Judged by wins and losses, the 1980s were the worst decade of all for the Pacers. It featured just one winning season, two playoff appearances, one playoff victory and four consecutive seasons of 20, 26, 22 and 26 victories.
Viewed from a distant perspective, however, it was the decade when the franchise was reborn and the foundations for lasting success were laid. All it took were a few momentous developments that remained in place when the Pacers reached the NBA Finals in 2000: (1) The Simon brothers bought the team. (2) Donnie Walsh became the general manager. (3) Reggie Miller and Rik Smits were drafted.