http://wishtv.com/2015/10/30/pacers-legend-mel-daniels-passes-away/

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana Pacers legend Mel Daniels has passed away at age 71.

Daniels, the 9th leading scorer in franchise history, had recently had open heart surgery, according to Peter Vecsey.

Born in Detroit in 1944, Daniels played college basketball at the University of New Mexico.

Daniels spent his rookie season with the Minnesota Muskies of the ABA and lead the team in scoring on his way to winning Rookie of the Year honors.

Daniels joined the Pacers for the 1968-69 and led the team to three ABA championships. Daniels was named to seven consecutive ABA All-Star games from 1968-74 and was twice named league MVP.

Daniels still holds several Pacers records, including defensive rebounds and total rebounds. On a per game basis, Daniels averaged more than five rebounds per game more than any other Pacers player.

Daniels made his NBA debut in 1976, playing 11 games with the New York Knicks.

The Pacers retired his jersey in 1985.

Daniels was also an assistant coach with the Pacers from 1984-93, and coached two games in the 1988-89 season after Jack Ramsay resigned.

Daniels was inducted to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.