Head coach Isiah Thomas Arena Conseco Fieldhouse | General manager Donnie Walsh Record 41–41 (.500) | |
Place Division: 4th (Central)
Conference: 8th (Eastern) Playoff finish Lost to Philadelphia 76ers in East First Round (1-3) | ||
The 2000–01 Indiana Pacers season was Indiana's 25th season in the NBA and 34th season as a franchise. To replace Larry Bird as head coach, the Pacers hired former Indiana University and Detroit Pistons star Isiah Thomas. Thomas would have a different team than the one that went to the Finals, as a result of the departures of some of the veterans. During the offseason, the Pacers acquired Jermaine O'Neal from the Portland Trail Blazers. The Pacers struggled early and finished their season with a record of 41–41. To qualify for the playoffs, the Pacers needed to win 9 of their final 12 games to secure the 8th seed. In the playoffs, the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers would need only four games to eliminate the Pacers. Following the season, Sam Perkins retired and Derrick McKey signed as a free agent with the 76ers.
East First Round
(1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (8) Indiana Pacers Last Playoff Meeting: 2000 Eastern Conference Semifinals (Indiana won 4-2)