David Benner, the Pacers’ longtime public relations director, is retiring after his 28th season with the franchise.
The Center Grove High School and Indiana University graduate made it known before the season that this would be his last. And he has been soaking up every last moment he can after spending much of his life with his hometown NBA team.
Before the Pacers played the Detroit Pistons on Sunday afternoon, he was honored at center court by Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Rick Fuson and Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard. He received a frame jersey with ‘28’ for the number of seasons with the team.
Then he turned around and Pacers Hall of Famer Reggie Miller was there with his son Ryker. While this went on, “Crash Into Me” by Dave Matthews Band was played. They are one of Benner’s favorite artists.
Watch the moment in the video above.
Rick Carlisle opened up his pregame press conference by sharing some thoughts on Benner.
“This is a very special day for the franchise, the organization to recognize the career of David Benner, who’s been here for 28 years. It’s been an epic run through everything and David, I just want to say thank you for everything that you’ve done for me and so many others.
“I first got here in the spring of 1997. I was here for three years and then away for a couple and then back for four, then away for 13 and back for whatever this is going to turn into. You’ve meant so much to so many that it’s hard to believe it’s coming to a close. Although I don’t think it’s really gonna come to a close, I know you’ll be around.”
During this season, Benner has been taking photos with special people throughout the league and while in Boston over the weekend with the team, he was gifted a piece of their legendary parquet hardwood.
Watch Pacers Hall of Famer Reggie Miller celebrate PR director David Benner