6 Basketball Players who Played for Pacers and Bulls
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 that have played for both the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls.
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 Pacers and the Bulls.
Jalen Rose
Jalen Rose had a successful 13-year career in the NBA. Rose was selected 13th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1994 NBA Draft, and had stints with the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks.
Rose’s most successful years came with the Pacers, where he played a vital role in the team reaching the NBA Finals in 2000. That season, he averaged 18.2 points per game and proved himself to be a strong performer in the playoffs.
Post-retirement, Rose transitioned to a media career and has become a prominent sports analyst. Rose also established the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, a public charter school in his hometown of Detroit, underscoring his commitment to educational reform and community service.
Rose Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pacers, Bulls)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Nuggets, Pacers, Bulls, Raptors)
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)
Doug McDermott
Doug McDermott was a player known for his shooting accuracy. He was selected 11th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, but was quickly traded to the Chicago Bulls.
His draft selection came after an impressive college career at Creighton University, where he was a three-time consensus first-team All-American and won the National Player of the Year award in his senior season.
Throughout his NBA career, McDermott has played for the Bulls, Thunder, Knicks, Pacers, Spurs, and currently, the Memphis Grizzlies. His best scoring season came in 2020-2021, where he averaged a career-high 13.6 points per game with the Pacers.
DJ Augustin
Following an impressive sophomore year at the University of Texas, where he averaged 19.2 points and 5.8 assists, DJ Augustin was drafted 9th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Over his NBA career, Augustin has displayed strong playmaking and shooting skills, particularly his three-point shooting. For example, during the 2013-2014 season with the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 14.9 points per game and shot an impressive 41.1% from the three-point line.
A journeyman in the league, Augustin has played for multiple teams (11 in total), consistently contributing off the bench. He’s had several seasons where he averaged double-digit points and solid assists numbers, like in the 2010-2011 season where he averaged 14.4 points and 6.1 assists per game with the Bobcats.
Augustin Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bobcats, Magic)
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)
Thaddeus Young
After a standout freshman year at Georgia Tech, Thaddeus Young declared for the NBA Draft and was selected 12th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2007.
In Philadelphia, Young emerged as a consistent scorer and solid rebounder, playing seven seasons there before stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors.
He has often been praised for his work ethic and leadership, particularly in mentoring younger players. Young has career averages of 12.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game in the NBA.
