After both sides failed to reach an agreement, the owners called for a lockout, which began on July 1, 1998, putting a hold on all team trades, free agent signings and training camp workouts, and cancelling many NBA regular season and preseason games.
[7][8][9][10][11] However, on January 6, 1999, NBA commissioner David Stern, and NBPA director Billy Hunter finally reached an agreement to end the lockout.
[12][13][14][15][16] The Pacers entered the season as a heavy favorite, because Michael Jordan retired and other members of the Chicago Bulls were broken up by their management.
[22][23][24][25] The Pacers got off to a 15–5 start, then won their final four games to capture the Central Division title with a record of 33 wins and 17 losses.
[53][54][55][56] For the season, the Pacers added gold pinstripe alternate road uniforms with navy blue side panels, which remained in use until 2005.