The head coach during the 1997–98 Indiana Pacers season retired as a player from what NBA team?
1997–98 Indiana Pacers season The 1997–98 NBA season was the Pacers' 22nd season in the National Basketball Association, and 31st season as a franchise. It was also Larry Bird's first year as head coach. During the offseason, the Pacers acquired All-Star forward Chris Mullin from the Golden State Warriors. The team struggled early in the season losing five of their first seven games, but then won 15 of their next 18 games. The Pacers won nine of their final eleven games, and returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence finishing second in the Central Division with a 58–24 record. It was also the first time since joining the NBA that the Pacers finished with a winning road record. Reggie Miller, Rik Smits and coach Bird represented the Eastern Conference during the 1998 NBA All-Star Game. It was Smits' only All-Star appearance. Bird was also named Coach of The Year.
1993–94 Indiana Pacers season The 1993–94 NBA season was the Pacers' 18th season in the National Basketball Association, and 27th season as a franchise. The Pacers would undergo several changes as the club hired Larry Brown as head coach, and acquired Derrick McKey from the Seattle SuperSonics, plus signing free agent Haywoode Workman. In December, they signed free agent Byron Scott, who won championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s. The Pacers got off to a rough start losing six of their first seven games, but would play .500 ball until April. By winning the final eight games of the season, the Pacers were able to grab the #5 seed in the Eastern Conference and close out the season with a 47–35 record, fourth in the Central Division.