After a standout rookie season with the Muskies, Daniels was traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he truly flourished. His tenure with the Pacers was marked by exceptional performances that helped elevate the team to new heights. Daniels played a crucial role in leading the Pacers to three ABA championships in 1970, 1972, and 1973. His ability to control the game from the center position was instrumental in these victories.
Daniels' prowess on the court did not go unnoticed. He was named the ABA's Most Valuable Player twice, in 1969 and 1971, a testament to his dominance in the league. Throughout his ABA career, Daniels was selected to the All-Star team seven times, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league's elite players.
Rebounding was one of Daniels' greatest strengths. He led the ABA in rebounds per game three times and remains the league's all-time leader in total rebounds. His tenacity on the boards was matched by his scoring ability, as he consistently ranked among the top scorers in the league during his career.
In 1974, Daniels transitioned to the NBA when the ABA-NBA merger discussions were underway. He joined the New York Nets but played only one season with the team before retiring from professional basketball. Despite the brevity of his NBA career, Daniels' impact in the ABA left a lasting legacy.
After retiring as a player, Daniels remained involved in basketball, taking on various roles, including coaching and front-office positions. He served as an assistant coach and later as a scout for the Indiana Pacers, contributing to the team's development and success in the NBA.
Daniels' contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. His legacy as one of the ABA's greatest players endures, and his influence on the game continues to be celebrated by basketball enthusiasts and historians alike.
🏀