People who aren't Pacer fans might not quite understand this post. Was Jeff Foster Reggie Miller? No, but he definitely carved out a niche for himself in the heart of Pacer fans. After thirteen years, spent entirely in blue and gold, Jeff Foster is calling it a career because his back just won't hold up. This is at least a half season too late, maybe two years. Foster's back had been an issue for some time. But no Pacer fan was going to be upset at Foster for trying to fight through. He was never an all-star, and spent a lot of his career coming off the bench. But nobody played harder or more workman like than Jeff Foster. You don't finish your career in the top five or ten in rebound rate if you don't work your ass off around the rim. More than that, though, Foster provided a link. He was the last player left in Indianapolis that was on the finals team. He didn't play too much on that team, but he was there and had a few moments that year. He was there during the good times after the finals, when the Pacers should have gotten by the Pistons to get another crack at the finals and probably would have won. He was there for the brawl. He was there for the lean years after the brawl. He was there for the resurgence and getting back to the playoffs.* *Though Derrick Rose probably wishes he hadn't been. But then again, I don't think Derrick Rose really knew what an NBA playoff foul was really like. Jeff Foster was more than happy to show him. He could have left for greener pastures. Nobody would have blamed him. In fact, a lot of people were really hoping he would go sign a year or two deal with somebody like the Spurs, because they thought Foster deserved a better ending to his career than what the Pacers could provide him. But he didn't. Now he will be mentioned in the same breath and probably every bit as warmly as Reggie Miller. And in Indiana, that's really saying something. Maybe the highest basketball honor you can get in the state. Thank you, Jeff Foster. You were a joy to watch and you will be missed. I'm sure there is a coaching or TV job with the Pacers if you want it. And selfishly Comments are closed.
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