words // Zack Schlemmer
images // Nick DePaula
When we had our pick of this year's NBA Hardwood Classics uniforms, we couldn't resist customizing a few with some of our favorite players that originally wore them. So as an Indiana native and life-long Pacers fan, I was excited at the opportunity to snatch up a Rik Smits throwback in the Indiana Pacers pinstripes - one of the seven retro designs included in this season's Hardwood Classics uniforms from adidas.
With modern uniform tech, this adidas REV 30 jersey features a design perfectly replicating the original Pacers pinstripe look the team wore from 1997 to 2005. The now-classic pinstripes were present for many memorable Pacers games throughout their years, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2000, and the (unfortunately memorable) Malice at the Palace in 2004. Among the greatest Pacers players to suit up in the stripes is, of course, Rik Smits.
Hailing from the Netherlands, the "Dunking Dutchman" played his entire NBA career at the center position with the Indiana Pacers from 1988-2000 and is behind only Reggie Miller in games and minutes played, as well as points and field goals made for the franchise. Never the flashiest player, Smits made only one All Star game appearance during his career (1998). Even though he didn't pack the box scores every night, he was invaluable to his Pacers teams, especially in their deep playoff runs where he routinely faced off against top centers like Patrick Ewing and Shaquille O'Neal. Smits is still considered the best Pacers center ever, and along with Reggie, remains a fan favorite among the Indiana faithful. He's also probably the only 7'4" man you'll ever see riding motorcross.
