Recently retired National Basketball Association legend Reggie Miller, who played for the Indiana Pacers during his entire 18-year career, will serve as the honorary starter for the 89th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29.

Miller, a certain future member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, will wave the green flag to start the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” at 1 p.m. (EDT).

“I’ve been to the Indianapolis 500 and watched the start of the race in awe,” Miller said. “I can’t begin to comprehend what it will be like to wave the green flag to start the race with 33 cars coming down the straightaway.

“This is something I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Miller, 39, scored 25,279 points during his career, No. 12 on the all-time NBA list. He averaged 18.6 points per regular-season game during his career and was known as one of the most clutch playoff performers in NBA history, increasing his average to 20.6 points per game in the postseason.

One of the most accurate shooting guards in NBA history, Miller led the NBA in free-throw shooting percentage five times and made more than 100 three-point shots in 15 seasons, an NBA record. Miller was named to the All-NBA team three times during his career.

He also was a superstar while representing the United States on the international stage, winning a gold medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 1994 World Basketball Championship.

Miller is one of the most beloved athletes in Indianapolis history, not only for his athletic achievements but also for his tireless work with a variety of charities, hospitals, schools and civic organizations in Central Indiana.

***

Tickets: Tickets are available for the 2005 Indianapolis 500 on May 29. For information, log on to indianapolismotorspeedway.com, or call the IMS ticket office at (800) 822-INDY or (317) 492-6700.