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.
1992–93 Indiana Pacers season The 1992–93 NBA season was the Pacers' 17th season in the National Basketball Association, and 26th season as a franchise. In the offseason, the Pacers acquired Pooh Richardson and Sam Mitchell from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team played mediocre basketball once again losing six straight games after a 13–10 start. After playing around .500 in late January, they went on a 7-game losing streak in February. However, on the final day of the regular season, they defeated the Miami Heat 94–88, finishing fifth in the Central Division with a 41–41 record, and winning a tie-breaker over the Orlando Magic for the #8 seed in the Eastern Conference. Reggie Miller tied in first place in the league with 167 three-point field goals, and Detlef Schrempf averaged 19.1 points per game while being selected for the 1993 NBA All-Star Game.