2001–02 Indiana Pacers season

The 2001–02 NBA season was Indiana's 26th season in the NBA and 35th season as a franchise. The Pacers got off to a good start winning six of their first eight games, but struggled around .500 for most of the first half of the season. At midseason, they traded Jalen Rose and Travis Best to the Chicago Bulls for Ron Artest, Brad Miller and Ron Mercer. The Pacers would win their final five games of the season, and sneak into the playoffs by finishing fourth in the Central Division with a 42–40. Jermaine O'Neal was named Most Improved Player of the season and was selected for the 2002 NBA All-Star Game. Rookie Jamaal Tinsley was selected to the All-Rookie Second Team. In the first round of the playoffs, the Pacers would lose in five games to the New Jersey Nets.

2001–02 Indiana Pacers season

The 2001–02 NBA season was Indiana's 26th season in the NBA and 35th season as a franchise. The Pacers got off to a good start winning six of their first eight games, but struggled around .500 for most of the first half of the season. At midseason, they traded Jalen Rose and Travis Best to the Chicago Bulls for Ron Artest, Brad Miller and Ron Mercer. The Pacers would win their final five games of the season, and sneak into the playoffs by finishing fourth in the Central Division with a 42–40. Jermaine O'Neal was named Most Improved Player of the season and was selected for the 2002 NBA All-Star Game. Rookie Jamaal Tinsley was selected to the All-Rookie Second Team. In the first round of the playoffs, the Pacers would lose in five games to the New Jersey Nets.