Dutch · Eindhoven, Netherlands · Born 23 August 1966Dutch basketball center who played 12 seasons in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers, known for his height at 7'4" and reliable post play throughout the 1990s.
Rik Smits was born in Eindhoven, Netherlands in 1966. Indiana Pacers selected him second overall in the 1988 NBA Draft after playing college basketball at Marist College. His 12-season career — entirely with the Pacers — produced 14.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. He was named to the All-Rookie Team. He was nicknamed the Dunking Dutchman. He was a consistent, reliable center for Indiana through his most competitive playoff years of the 1990s — reaching the conference finals three times (1994, 1995, 1998) and the NBA Finals in 2000 alongside Reggie Miller, Jalen Rose and Mark Jackson. His mid-range touch — particularly his turn-around jumper from the right block — was considered one of the most reliable individual shots in the Midwest Division. He was one of the earliest European players to succeed as a starting center in the NBA, helping to establish that European big men could compete physically and skillfully at the highest level. He was one of the more impactful Dutch athletes in American professional sports history.
Being the tallest player in NBA history at 7'4" and cornerstone of Indiana Pacers
How They Played
Traditional center with soft shooting touch, strong post presence, and reliable mid-range game
Lasting Impact
One of the most successful European players in NBA history, helped establish international presence in league
Career Honours
- NBA Finals (2000)
- All-Rookie Team
- Indiana Pacers cornerstone
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers | 1988–2000 | 867 |
Dutch Athletes