The heart and soul of the ABA Pacers championship teams passed away on his ranch just before going to meet a former teammate.
"What? You don't know who that is," the Fieldhouse security guard said to a younger colleague.
"He's a basketball legend and not just for the Pacers. All time!"
"That's Mel Daniels!"
I was on my way out of the Fieldhouse last night when I heard this exchange about 50 yards after passing Mel Daniels on Thursday night, the Pacers legend still presenting a strong presence on opening night for the Pacers.