Where is Ron Mercer these days ?

anon1751545683

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Dec 14, 2020
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That was a shocker to me. I thought he’d be an NBA all star. He had a few solid years then just faded away. Hopefully he stayed away enough to retire on.
Seems like injuries did him in.

But that sexual assault allegation didn’t help either.
 
Nov 29, 2023
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Pacers killed his career.

Mercer was averaging 17-18 in the years leading up to the Pacers and then it dropped to 5 and 7 and then out of the league by 2005 due to injuries.
 
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ArtLaibsGhost_rivals

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He was a great story. Very humble beginnings in Nashvile, mother a bus driver. Played high school at private school Goodpasture with Drew Maddux who latter starred ay Vandy. Wanted desperately to go to Vandy, so his mother could see him play but they passed saying he didn't meet their academic standards. UK was his other dream school so those idiots gave us a real winner.
 
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SemperFiCat

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Pacers killed his career.

Mercer was averaging 17-18 in the years leading up to the Pacers and then it dropped to 5 and 7 and then out of the league by 2005 due to injuries.
That's probably more about Larry Bird. Bird got to the Pacers in 2003, same time as Mercer. Ask yourself this, how many Kentucky players have played in the NBA? How many have played for the Pacers while Bird was there?
 

jc2010

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Mercer and Anderson on the court together was beautiful, poetry in motion.
 

SemperFiCat

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Bird quit coaching after 2000, right? Was he an exec then?
Correct. He's been in and out of the front office, in various capacities since 2003. I've never heard a direct quote about Kentucky players from Bird, but (outside of Isiah Jackson currently) I don't think it's a coincidence that none of our however many guys haven't played for the Pacers. Always seemed a bit suspect to me. I've met dozens of people that have met Bird. Heard some really great stories about him, but have also heard some not so great and fairly petty stories too.
 

Broker

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Correct. He's been in and out of the front office, in various capacities since 2003. I've never heard a direct quote about Kentucky players from Bird, but (outside of Isiah Jackson currently) I don't think it's a coincidence that none of our however many guys haven't played for the Pacers. Always seemed a bit suspect to me. I've met dozens of people that have met Bird. Heard some really great stories about him, but have also heard some not so great and fairly petty stories too.
I can't even begin to think a coach or front office guy would care where a kid played. If they thought he could contribute and help win, the school they attended would not be considered. Win, win at any cost is the driving force of the NBA. If Bird could have had 5 KY kids starting and were winning, he would have been happy as a pig in mud.
 
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SemperFiCat

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I can't even begin to think a coach or front office guy would care where a kid played. If they thought he could contribute and help win, the school they attended would not be considered. Win, win at any cost is the driving force of the NBA. If Bird could have had 5 KY kids starting and were winning, he would have been happy as a pig in mud.
I would tend to agree with you. But, it is a bit odd, don't ya think?
 

anon1751545683

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I can't even begin to think a coach or front office guy would care where a kid played. If they thought he could contribute and help win, the school they attended would not be considered. Win, win at any cost is the driving force of the NBA. If Bird could have had 5 KY kids starting and were winning, he would have been happy as a pig in mud.
Spot on!!

As much as Bird hated the Lakers if he had a team full of former Lakers and winning he’s happy.
 

Bluegrassking

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Se
His midrange jumper was absolutely LETHAL at the college level! Money, he was!

Seems like he never got comfortable with the NBA three, like his effective range was the college line but I may be misremembering.

Love me some Ring the Merciless!