Pacers Legend Bobby 'Slick' Leonard Passes Away At Age 88

Indiana legend Bobby 'Slick' Leonard passed away Tuesday. He won a national championship at Indiana in 1953 and has been the face of the Pacers for decades.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indiana Pacers legend Bobby "Slick'' Leonard passed away Tuesday at the age of 88 years old. 

Leonard attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where he won a national championship with the Hoosiers in 1953. He also coached the Indiana Pacers from 1968-80, and after his playing and coaching career, became a color commentator for the Pacers. 

"Pacers fans will remember Bobby ‘Slick’ Leonard as the spirit of our franchise," Pacers owner Herb Simon said. "With a charisma, intensity, and wit to match his nickname, Slick made us champions. He was our biggest fan and our most loving critic, and he personified Pacers basketball for generations of Hoosier families.

"Most importantly, though, Slick and Nancy are our family, and his passing leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of everyone associated with this organization. We keep the entire Leonard family in our prayers, and we recognize and honor Slick for what he meant to our state both on and off the court.”

The Leonard family released a statement Tuesday after his passing.

"Dad passed away in his sleep this morning. He had been struggling with numerous ailments for some time. We are so thankful that he passed peacefully. On behalf of Mom and Dad, our family extends a heartfelt thank you for the incredible, lifelong support of so many friends, Hoosier basketball fans, the Pacers and Indiana University. Gratefully, The Leonard Family"

“When you think of the Indiana Pacers, you think of Slick Leonard,” said Larry Bird, former Pacers president and a close friend of Leonard’s. Leonard served the organization for 50 years.

In 2014, Leonard became a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and was an Indiana legend. 

Here's what they're saying about Leonard's passing: 

RIP to the Terre Haute native & 1953 National Champion. pic.twitter.com/RJxhR7zsK4

— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) April 13, 2021

"With a charisma, intensity, and wit to match his nickname, Slick made us champions."

Statement from @PacersSportsEnt Owners Herb Simon, Steve Simon, & the Simon Family on the passing of Bobby “Slick” Leonard: https://t.co/doR1nPEbLi pic.twitter.com/xrso5tYvfA

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) April 13, 2021

There will never be another Slick Leonard. pic.twitter.com/NyKQziYxMM

— Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA) April 13, 2021

The basketball community has lost a Legend. Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Hall of Famer Bobby "Slick" Leonard.#LegendsForever pic.twitter.com/oDEjzY3Wjq

— NBA Alumni 🏀 (@NBAalumni) April 13, 2021

Slick Leonard is uniquely responsible for downtown Indianapolis being the amazing place it is. I told that story here. RIP to a great man and condolences to Nancy, the love of his life:https://t.co/Tvo07463x6

— Gregg Doyel (@GreggDoyelStar) April 13, 2021

Without Slick Leonard, the Indiana Pacers wouldn’t exist.

They not only got into the NBA likely due to him coaching the team to three ABA championships but also saved the franchise with a telethon in 1977 when they were struggling with the transition to the NBA. A true legend. pic.twitter.com/PxsHztEudJ

— iPacers.com (@iPacersblog) April 13, 2021

Slick Leonard WAS basketball in Indiana. This is a hard loss to take for everyone in this state. RIP Slick. https://t.co/g2ADaxoNiN

— The Shop (@TheShopIndy) April 13, 2021

“When you think of the Indiana Pacers, you think of Slick Leonard." https://t.co/cuMZBmpoTg

— IndyStar (@indystar) April 13, 2021

My thoughts are also with @Mark_J_Boyle, Slick Leonard’s longtime broadcast partner, today. The friendships and bonds developed through spending hours together on and off the air are special.

— Andrew Smith (@crimsonace) April 13, 2021

Coach Woodson on the legacy of Bobby “Slick” Leonard: pic.twitter.com/djnIsWxWia

— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) April 13, 2021