The Indiana Pacers are launching a campaign to find a new Chinese name, replacing the long-standing translation 'Buxingzhe' (walkers), which team officials say no longer reflects their fast-paced play style. The team's last result was a 121-133 loss to the Detroit Pistons on 2026-04-12, part of a recent form slump that saw them lose four of their last five games (1W-0D-4L).
Why the Indiana Pacers want a new Chinese name
Ted Wu, executive vice-president of Basketball Operations and assistant general manager, explained that the current name 'Buxingzhe' (walkers) is too slow for the team's identity. 'We're anything but walkers - we're not slow, we're not losers,' Wu said at the NBA Shanghai Basketball Festival. 'Our play style is the complete opposite of everything the name is about. We move the ball, we play in transition, we have the fastest point guard in the league.'
What the new name should reflect
The Indiana Pacers are looking for a name that better captures their high-energy, fast-paced style of play. With a roster built around speed and ball movement, the team wants a name that aligns with their identity on the court. The campaign invites fans to suggest new names that embody the team's dynamic approach to the game.
How fans can participate in the campaign
Fans can submit their suggestions for the new Chinese name through the Indiana Pacers' official social media channels. The team will review the submissions and select a name that best represents their play style and brand. The campaign is part of the team's efforts to strengthen their connection with Chinese fans and reflect their evolution as a franchise.
What this means for the Indiana Pacers' recent performance
The Indiana Pacers' recent form has been a concern, with a 1W-0D-4L record in their last five games. Their most recent loss, a 121-133 defeat to the Detroit Pistons on 2026-04-12, highlights the need for improvement. As the team looks to rebound, finding a new Chinese name could be a symbolic step forward, aligning their identity with their on-court performance. For more details on their upcoming games, check the [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
