Reggie Miller Welcomes Charles Oakley to Pacers’ Fieldhouse

INDIANAPOLIS — Reggie Miller extended an invitation to Charles Oakley on Sunday, responding to the New York Knicks‘ apparent disinterest in the former player. Miller shared an old photo of the two on his Instagram story, declaring, “Y’all don’t want this man in your building, we claiming him!! Charles you always welcome in Da Fieldhouse!!” Oakley, a Knicks legend, played 10 of his 19 NBA seasons with the team, but has faced ongoing tensions with the franchise since being banned from Madison Square Garden in 2017.

The ban came after an altercation with security guards, and Oakley has not returned since. Although he never played for the Pacers, Miller’s invitation sparked curiosity about Oakley’s future. “I see a lot of energy like when we played,” Oakley said in a recent interview, referencing the current NBA playoffs.

Oakley is currently involved in a lawsuit against Knicks owner James Dolan and Madison Square Garden. Despite the legal battle, he was told by the team that he would be welcomed back if he drops the lawsuit. Although he can already purchase tickets and attend games, the Knicks would formally invite him and recognize him among the team’s legends.

In his interview, Oakley reflected on his time with the Knicks, stating, “I played there for 10 years… and I tried to show them love every time I could. Win or lose, I showed that I was willing to fight.” His case alleging assault and battery against Dolan and The Garden has faced various rulings, having been dismissed twice before being reinstated by an appeals court in September.