In their first season in the NBA the Pacers struggled finishing in fifth place in the Midwest Division with a record of 36-46. Giving Pacers fans reason to cheer was Billy Knight who finished second in the NBA in scoring with 26.

6 ppg and Don Buse who led the NBA in steals and assists. Following the season the Pacers would trade away their two All-Stars, trading Knight to the Buffalo Braves for Adrian Dantley and Mike Bantom, and Buse to the Phoenix Suns for Ricky Sobers.