5 Basketball Players who Played for Kings and Pacers
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players who have played for both the Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Kings and the Pacers.
Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis is a Lithuanian-born player who has made a significant impact in the NBA. He was drafted 11th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2016 NBA Draft but was quickly traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he began his NBA career.
In his rookie season with the Thunder, Sabonis showcased his potential as a versatile big man. However, it was after his move to the Indiana Pacers in 2017 that his career truly took off. With the Pacers, Sabonis developed into a key player for the team, offering strong performances in both scoring and rebounding.
Sabonis has been named an NBA All-Star multiple times, showcasing his skill set which includes excellent passing ability for a big man, a strong presence in the rebounding department, and an ability to score both inside and outside the paint.
Sabonis Key Stats
- All-NBA (Kings)
- All-Star (Pacers, Kings)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pacers)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Pacers, Kings)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Pacers, Kings)
Peja Stojakovic
Peja Stojakovic was an integral part of the Kings team that was a perennial playoff contender in the early 2000s. His scoring ability, shooting touch, and off-ball movement made him a key weapon in the Kings’ high-powered offense, complementing Chris Webber’s versatile inside game and Vlade Divac’s passing ability.
During his NBA career, Stojaković was a three-time All-Star, and he won the NBA Three-Point Contest twice. His 2002-03 season was his best, as he averaged 24.2 points per game and finished fourth in MVP voting. He won an NBA Championship in 2011 with the Mavericks, providing valuable shooting off the bench during the team’s playoff run.
Stojaković also had a successful international career. He won gold medals with the Yugoslavian national team at the 2001 FIBA European Championship and the 2002 FIBA World Championship.
Stojakovic Key Stats
- All-NBA (Kings)
- All-Star (Kings)
- NBA Championship (Mavericks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Kings)
Scot Pollard
Scot Pollard brought a distinctive flair to the NBA, not just with his varying hairstyles and beards but also with his rugged play on the court. Drafted 19th overall in the 1997 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, he made a more significant impact after joining the Kings.
With the Kings, Pollard became a key rotation player on teams that were perennial playoff contenders in the early 2000s.
Later in his career, he played for the Pacers, Cavaliers, and Celtics. His time with the Celtics was especially noteworthy, as he was part of their 2008 roster that won an NBA title, solidifying his career with a ring.
Metta World Peace
Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 1999 NBA Draft. His tenacious defense and ability to contribute offensively quickly earned him a reputation as one of the league’s top two-way players. In the 2003-04 season with the Pacers he was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Despite his on-court success, World Peace was often in the spotlight for his unpredictable behavior. Most infamously, he was a central figure in the 2004 “Malice at the Palace” incident, a brawl during a game between the Pacers and the Detroit Pistons. This led to a lengthy suspension and affected his public perception.
World Peace later joined the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played a key role in helping the team win the NBA Championship in 2010. His performance in Game 7 of the NBA Finals was particularly crucial, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
World Peace Key Stats
- All-NBA (Pacers)
- All-Star (Pacers)
- NBA Champ (Lakers)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pacers, Kings)
Tristan Thompson
Tristan Thompson was selected 4th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2011 NBA Draft. He quickly became a mainstay in the Cavaliers’ rotation, with his ability to grab offensive rebounds and provide second-chance opportunities standing out.
In 2016, Thompson, along with LeBron James and the rest of the Cavaliers, won the NBA Championship, ending Cleveland’s 52-year professional sports title drought by defeating the Golden State Warriors. Thompson’s defensive efforts and ability to match up against various opponents played a crucial role during this championship run.
After nearly a decade with the Cavaliers, Thompson moved on to the Boston Celtics and then bounced around with multiple teams (Kings, Pacers, Bulls) during his final season in the league.
Thompson Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Cavs)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Cavs)
