Help with 1980's Indiana Pacers Jersey

[imlemonysnicket]

Hello

I picked up this Indiana Pacers jersey at an antique mall yesterday and was wondering if the experts here could help me gather some more information. After looking at some pictures online, the jersey seems to match the Pacers style from the 1980's. Is there any way, based on the tags, that an exact year could be pinpointed? Also, does anyone know if the Pacers players had names on the back of their jerseys in this era? This jersey shows no name or evidence that one was there. According to my research, the number 45 was worn by Clemon Johnson early in the 1980's and later by Chuck Person. I've included pictures below. If anyone could help me figure out the year, if this was an actual game jersey or a salesman sample, that would be wonderful. Thanks.

[otismalibu]

The NBA logo first appeared on NBA jerseys, in 1986-87...I believe.

[both-teams-played-hard]

This looks like a retail jersey. The beginnings of the NBA store-bought authentic. Same quality as gamers, but no extra length or year tag. No name on back. In the late 80s, the NBA did not have an agreement with the players association and had no rights to players' names on back. It appears this shirt never had a name on back and also appears to have never been washed. This shirt appears to be from 1988. It is however, a popular style and would get around $100-$125 on eBay. A nice and rare style; but not game-worn.

[imlemonysnicket]

Thanks for the information! I appreciate all your help. The jersey will most likely make it's way to eBay since it's not my area of interest.

[otismalibu]

BTPH,

Did retail jerseys have the Designed Exclusively tags on them?

I have a couple of retail Sand-Knit Sixers jerseys from around 86-87 and they just have a single Sand-Knit tag and they also have a neck tag (Official Licensed Product) which states the size as S, M, L, XL.

Were the Pacers gamers made with screened numbers?

[both-teams-played-hard]

BTPH,

Did retail jerseys have the Designed Exclusively tags on them?

I have a couple of retail Sand-Knit Sixers jerseys from around 86-87 and they just have a single Sand-Knit tag and they also have a neck tag (Official Licensed Product) which states the size as S, M, L, XL.

Were the Pacers gamers made with screened numbers?

Some Sand Knit retail jerseys did have the exclusive tags. It seems around 1987 was the last year of the officially licensed neck tag for store-boughts. I remember an old thread about the exclusive tag not being so exclusive.
Yes, this Pacer style had screened letters and numbers.

MacGregor Sand Knit retail (1989)

MacGregor Sand Knit retail (1987)