What's in a uniform? Pacers players weigh in
"A jersey's a jersey. Just a jersey," said point guard George Hill. "It isn't going to make you play better."
What's in a uniform? Pacers players weigh in "A jersey's a jersey. Just a jersey," said point guard George Hill. "It isn't going to make you play better." Check out this story on IndyStar.com: http://indy.st/1DAJUz2
Dana Hunsinger Benbow, dana.benbow@indystar.com Published 8:20 a.m. ET Feb. 3, 2015 | Updated 9:01 a.m. ET Feb. 3, 2015
Roy Hibbert, David West and George Hill of the Indiana Pacers discuss wearing throwback jerseys designed by late sprinting champ Florence Griffth-Joyner. Clark Wade / The Star
Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert said he's ready to change up the team's uniforms.(Photo: Provided by Pacers Sports & Entertainment)
Those pesky fashion ruts. Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert feels their pain, at least on the court.
"I think since I've been here we've had the same uniforms," he said Monday. "I like to change up our uniforms, so it will be nice to win in some different ones."
Different uniforms, yes. The Pacers, who have been suiting up in the same jersey-shorts combo since 2005, will step into a sports fashion time machine.
For six games, starting Wednesday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse against Detroit, the team will bring back the iconic Flo-Jo-designed uniforms it wore in the 1990s – an era when the Pacers achieved their first major NBA success.
Wearing those Flo-Jo jerseys, from 1990 to 1997, the team was led by a star named Reggie Miller. It had six appearances in the playoffs and made it to the Eastern Conference finals twice.
Wearing that uniform on May 7, 1995, Miller completed what some have dubbed the most spectacular 9 seconds in sports. Taking on the team's heated rivals, the New York Knicks, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, it was seemingly all over for the Pacers as they trailed 105-99 with 18 seconds left.
Reggie Miller celebrates at the end of the Pacers' Eastern Conference semifinals game against the Knicks, May 7, 1995. (Photo: AP)
But Miller managed to score 8 points in 9 seconds, leading the Pacers to a 107-105 win. It was in that jersey after that game that Miller trash talked the Knicks, calling them "choke artists" as he ran through the tunnel to the Indiana locker room.
"(These uniforms) are an ode to the throwbacks of the former players here," Hibbert said.
Bringing back the uniforms is part of the NBA's Hardwood Classics program and a way to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the team first wearing them. They were designed prior to the 1990 season by USA Track & Field star Florence Griffith-Joyner. At the time, she was known as much for her style and fashion as she was for her speed.
"I'm happy to see the Flo-Jo jersey making a comeback," Miller said in a statement. "It kind of makes me wish I could grow back the Bobby Brown haircut and take the court with the fellas."
Of course, the Pacers don't expect the jerseys to change their game play or bring back any of the magic from that era.
The Pacers could certainly use something to help, their record falling to 17-32 this season.
What uniforms they're wearing don't enter the picture, though, when it comes to game play.
David West likes the classic Flo-Jo uniforms, but says the team's pin-striped uniforms were his favorite. (Photo: Provided by Pacers Sports & Entertainment)
"I don't think that's like a Superman cape that's going to make you win the game and shoot better," said Hill.
Uniforms, in the early days of the NBA, rarely changed. Teams wore the same style for decades. For the Pacers, the Flo-Jo variety was a forward fashion statement, one of the coolest in the NBA at the time.
"They are the best jerseys we have had," Pacers forward Paul George said in a statement. "They were definitely trendy for their era."
When the Flo-Jo uniforms were retired in 1997, the team donned pinstripes until 2005, when its current uniforms were introduced.
Whether that 9-year uniform run is close to ending -- and ending Hibbert's fashion rut -- isn't a decision that comes from the players, the coaching staff or even Pacers President Larry Bird.
That's a marketing decision, the team's front office said.
And if Pacers forward David West had his choice, he'd head to the marketing department and ask for another classic uniform to return.
"The pin stripes," he said.
Follow Dana Benbow on Twitter: @DanaBenbow.
Pacers uniforms then and now
Pacers forward George McGinnis in 1972. file
Pacers' George McGinnis drives on Swen Nater of San Diego in 1981 Jeff Atteberry
Indiana Pacer Bruce Kuczenski in 1983 John Gentry
Rik Smits, Chuck Person and LaSalle Thompson in 1989. Star file
Indiana Pacers guard Reggie Miller celebrates during second half action in Atlanta Tuesday May 2, 1995. Miller scored 32 points as the Indiana Pacers advanced to the second round of the NBA playoffs with a 105-89 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, sweeping their first-round opponent for the second straight year. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) JOHN BAZEMORE, Associated Press
Damon Bailey in his very brief career with the Indiana Pacers in 1995. Susan Plageman
Indiana Pacers guard Travis Best poses in their new home uniforms they will be wearing for 1997 NBA season. Paul Sancya
Indiana Pacers Reggie Miller in 1999. This alternate uniform was used from the 1997 to 2005 seasons. KATHY WILLENS, Associated Press
Indiana Pacers Rik Smits away uniform in 2002. RICH MILLER
Pacers guard George Hill in 2015. This uniform was was unveiled in 2005. Matt Detrich/The Star
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