In a stirring gesture of admiration, loyalty, and enduring legacy, Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon has greenlit a $5.6 million bronze statue commemorating NBA legend Reggie Miller. The monument, to be erected outside Busch Stadium, transcends the bounds of ordinary sports tributes. It stands not only as an homage to one of basketball’s most clutch performers but also as a symbol of unwavering loyalty and the deep connection between a city, a team, and its most iconic player.
Reggie Miller, the face of the Indiana Pacers for 18 seasons, was more than just a five-time NBA All-Star. He was a relentless competitor, a sharpshooter without peer, and perhaps most memorably, a giant slayer in the clutch. His fearless performances against powerhouses like the New York Knicks in the 1990s are etched into basketball folklore. His 8 points in 9 seconds at Madison Square Garden remains one of the most surreal moments in sports history. But beyond the stats and the headlines, Miller symbolized the heart of Indiana basketball—gritty, fearless, and loyal.
Herb Simon’s decision to commission this statue speaks volumes about his commitment not only to preserving the franchise’s rich history but also to celebrating the character and legacy of the man who helped elevate the Pacers into national relevance. At a time when player movement is common and loyalty is often fleeting, Miller’s career stands as a rare testament to one-man-one-team greatness. Simon, the longtime steward of the franchise, has often spoken of Miller as “the soul of the Pacers,” and this tribute ensures his contributions are immortalized for generations.
The statue, designed by a renowned sculptor team, will depict Miller in his signature shooting form—legs coiled, elbows tucked, eyes locked on the rim—capturing the essence of the Hall of Famer’s on-court artistry. Placing it outside Busch Stadium may raise eyebrows given its association with baseball, but the choice is strategic: the location is a high-traffic hub, symbolizing Miller’s far-reaching impact beyond basketball alone. His influence on the city of Indianapolis, and even on sports culture more broadly, transcends a single court or arena.
Fans, former teammates, and community leaders have lauded the move, with many praising Simon’s vision and commitment to honoring the city’s sports icons. For Indiana natives, Miller’s statue is more than a landmark it’s a reminder of what pride, perseverance, and passion look like in human form.
As construction begins on this long-overdue tribute, Indiana prepares to honor not just a basketball legend, but a man who helped define the spirit of an entire franchise and city. In an era so often defined by transience, Herb Simon’s $5.6 million tribute to Reggie Miller reminds us that loyalty, legacy, and gratitude never go out of style.
