Pacers will feel loss as Clark Kellogg leaves organization after 32 years

One of the best human beings I’ve ever met, Clark Kellogg, is leaving the Pacers after 32 years with the franchise, he announced Tuesday in a news release sent out by the team.

“Since 1982, I’ve enjoyed some form of a working relationship with the Indiana Pacers: player, radio and TV broadcaster, and VP of Player Relations,” Kellogg said. “I’m eternally thankful for each opportunity the Simon family and this organization have given me to contribute to its work. It’s been a blessed association in every way for me and my family.

“But times and seasons change. And my time has come to move on from my role as VP of Player Relations. I do so with no regrets.”

A voicemail left for Kellogg was not immediately returned.

Kellogg, 52, was drafted 8th overall by the team in 1982 and was named to the All-Rookie First Team as he averaged 20.1 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. He played five years with the club. His final two years were cut very short — four games during the 1986-87 season — because of a knee injury that force him into retirement.

Kellogg was the Pacers’ radio analyst for one season (1987-88), then moved to their television broadcasts up until the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season. On July 14, 2010, he was named the Vice President of Player Relations, where he worked hand in hand with the players’ personal growth, both on and off the court.

“We are glad we had the opportunity to have Clark as part of our team,” said team president Larry Bird. “His interaction with our players was great and he brought a lot to the table. Anyone who has been around Clark will say you can’t find a better person. We will miss him and wish him the best.”

Anyone that interacted with CK was immediately touched by his big smile and genuine interest for others. He makes a point to get to know you, will call you name, and is completely first-class in everything that he does.

This past year, Kellogg, on the advice of team owner Herb Simon, brought in Stedman Graham to speak to the team. Kellogg frequently attended community events, like the annual ‘Come to Our House’ Thanksgiving dinner, representing the organization as a former player and helping the current players with their appearances.

Towards the end of the season, Kellogg was particularly visible around Lance Stephenson’s locker. As Stephenson continued to elevate his game, even earning his way into All-Star consideration, the media requested to speak with him at nearly every availability. After games, win or lose, Kellogg, along with Stephenson’s locker mate, Rasual Butler, would very often talk with Lance before media sessions and then discuss how he handled them afterwards.

That’s just one of the many ways Kellogg made an impact with the team, never mind the entire Pacers Sports & Entertainment organization. This, without a doubt, is a big loss. The players aren’t going to like it, but Kellogg has to do what’s best for he and his family. His daughter, Talisa, is getting married this upcoming Saturday. His youngest son, Nick, worked out for the Pacers last month and is trying to play basketball professionally.

Kellogg will continue to work as a college basketball analyst on CBS, a role he’s held since 1993.

“Always a Pacer,” he added.

Yes, and the Pacers were way better off having him around. They don’t get any better than Clark Kellogg.