Pacers owner Herb Simon elected to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Pacers owner Herb Simon elected to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Herb Simon is the longest-tenured owner in NBA history and his magical year gets even sweeter with this honor celebrating his involvement in basketball since 1983.
Herb Simon, Hall of Famer.
The Indiana Pacers owner since 1983 has been elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. It was officially announced Saturday morning in Glendale, Ariz. at the men’s Final Four. Winners were informed of the news on April 1.
Other members of the Class of 2024:
Vince Carter, Chauncey Billups, Seimone Augustus, Bo Ryan, Doug Collins, Jerry West, Michael Cooper, Walter Davis, Charles Smith, Dick Barnett, Harley Redin and Michele Timms.
This comes just a few months after Simon was named a first-time nominee for the Hall of Fame. Then, at Indy’s All-Star Weekend in February, he was announced as a finalist for the contributor category — along with Doug Collins and Jerry West.
The enshrinement ceremony will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17 in Springfield, Mass.
Simon, 89, bought the Pacers with his late brother, Mel, for $11 million and has now owned the franchise for 40 years.
This adds to a spectacular year for Simon, a businessman and longtime owner of Pacers Sports & Entertainment — which also includes the Mad Ants, Fever, Pacers Gaming and Pacers Foundation.
Next up, the Pacers should reach the postseason for the first time since 2020 — and then the Fever have the No. 1 overall selection in the WNBA Draft on April 15.
“I’ve been in it a long time at this thing and the beautiful thing is I still enjoy it,” Simon said a few years ago. “And I really believe it’s a team for the community also. I’m very sensitive to the community and being responsible to our community that’s been very supportive of us.”
Before the season, he chose to sell an additional 15% equity of Pacers Sports & Entertainment to Steven Rales.
Reaction to the News
Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner: “As the longest-standing governor in NBA history, a founding member of the WNBA, and a former Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors, Herb Simon has been instrumental in every significant NBA and WNBA development over the past four decades. While Herb has never sought credit for his truly influential role, it is wonderful to see his steady leadership and service to the game of basketball recognized by the Hall of Fame.”
Steve Simon, Pacers’ alternate governor: “Herb’s genuine commitment to this franchise and our city has resulted in the kinds of civic and philanthropic partnerships that are the gold standard for organizations around the NBA.”
Rick Fuson, PS&E CEO: “Herb has always pushed our organization and the NBA to think bigger about our opportunity to reach new fans, make impact off the court, and grow the brand in innovative ways. He has certainly had an outsized impact on the growth of the game, and he has done it in his unique, unassuming way that deflects praise to others.”
Kevin Pritchard, president of basketball operations: “For decades, Herb has been a model owner in the NBA, as well as one of its most respected voices. He cares deeply not only about our franchise but about the future of our sport and our League, and there is no one is more deserving of this amazing recognition.”
Rick Carlisle, Pacers head coach (in December): “He saved the franchise by purchasing the franchise at that time, taking on a lot of debt, and has built it into one of the model franchises. His acts of philanthropy are legendary, and he’s a guy that doesn’t ever seek attention. So, this is very well-deserved of him.”
