Three Pacer greats get their money finally, it's a shame that Big Mel didn't live to see it. Mel Daniels was a hero of my youth, I watched him play at the Fairgrounds Coliseum and later at Market Square Arena. He was a dominant force in the lane and a true legend. I turn 60 later this month, and I doubt there will ever be another Mel Daniels!
A point guard, center and power forward played with a red-white-and-blue basketball. They blazed a trail on a shiny hardwood court in a fast-paced league with flashy moves, halftime shenanigans and players made of true grit.
The point guard was Freddie Lewis. The center was Mel Daniels. And the power forward/center was Bob Netolicky.
All three men gave their might, their talent and their careers to the American Basketball Association, most of their seasons with the Indiana Pacers. The ABA lasted nine years. The three gave nearly 27 combined years to the ABA.
The NBA board of governors voted in June to give $25 million to former ABA players, still living, as recognition payments for their years of service in the league. Players eligible either spent three or more years in the ABA or played at least three combined years in the ABA and NBA and never received a vested pension from the NBA.
The agreement pays players an average $3,828 annually for each year they were in the league. For example, a player with the minimum three seasons will receive $11,484 a year. A player with the most years of service, such as Lewis, will get $35,452 a year.
