VERN Fleming had a 12-year NBA career and won Olympic gold alongside Michael Jordan in the 1984 Summer Games.

But the most iconic moment of Fleming’s playing days was getting his teeth knocked out by Shaquille O’Neal.

Vern Fleming was a mainstay of the Indiana Pacers during the 1980s
4

Vern Fleming was a mainstay of the Indiana Pacers during the 1980sCredit: Getty

He looks for his teeth after being run over by Shaquille O'Neal
4

He looks for his teeth after being run over by Shaquille O’NealCredit: Twitter/NBACobwebs

The Orlando Magic center was not fouled for the incident
4

The Orlando Magic center was not fouled for the incidentCredit: Getty

Fleming (far left) won Olympic gold alongside Michael Jordan in 1984
4

Fleming (far left) won Olympic gold alongside Michael Jordan in 1984Credit: Getty
In April 1994, the Indiana Pacers point guard was run over from behind by the 7-foot-1, 301-pound center while completing a breakaway layup during a game against the Orlando Magic in Indianapolis.

Fleming lost five teeth and needed 12 stitches in his knee and dental surgery in the summer.

Incredibly, no foul was called on the leviathan center even though Fleming was forced to miss 11 games.

“Everyone else was running down to the other end of the court,” Fleming recalled.

“…And I was on the ground looking for my teeth.”

Fleming disclosed he wasn’t in pain when O’Neal landed on his head.

“I didn’t feel anything,” he added.

“I think I was in shock.

“Then I saw teeth everywhere.”

Fleming was drafted in the first round of the 1984 draft with the 18th pick overall by the Pacers out of the University of Georgia.

He averaged 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in his NBA career.

Fleming spent his final season in the NBA with the New Jersey Nets in 1995-96 before a spell in France with Limoges.

After retiring, he joined Isiah Thomas’ staff as an assistant with the Pacers in the 2000-01 season.