Larry Bird wants to return to Indiana Pacers in the present capacity – NBA News
Larry Bird has stated his interest to be the team President of the Indiana Pacers for a few more years. After months of speculation that Bird may bid farewell to his position after the season, he has finally spoken about the issue.
“I'd do it today if Herbie was here. We've got kids working out; we've got six free agents. Obviously, I want to sit down with Herb as quickly as possible. I don't like this (questions) at all. I'd like a three-year deal, but we
have a handshake agreement. It's hard coming in here and not having the answers” said Bird referring to Pacers owners Herb Simon.
The statement indicates that Bird might be a little frustrated with not having a clear direction about his future with the Pacers, and would like to find out soon what direction Simon is thinking of taking the team.
However, Bird is still the team president and is making preparations to keep restricted free agents Roy Hibbert and George Hill, while also preparing for the NBA Draft scheduled for June 28th.
Bird said that he has talked with Simon a few times on the phone since the Indiana Pacers were eliminated from the playoffs in the second round by the Miami Heat. However, he has not yet had a detailed discussion with the owner
regarding the future of the team and once they meet, would like answers regarding his own role in the Pacers franchise and as to what direction Simon would like to pursue now.
Bird was awarded the NBA Executive of the Year this season, making him the only person in the NBA to have won a championship, an MVP trophy and an executive of the year trophy. He had won three NBA championships and three MVP trophies
with the Boston Celtics and was also head coach of the Indiana Pacers when they reached the NBA Finals in 2000.
Bird took over the reign of the Pacers team in 2008 from Donnie Walsh. At that time, the Pacers had not been in the playoffs for a long time, and were a reeling franchise with a lot of off-court issues.
In four years, Bird has brought them to being one of the most talented NBA teams around and a serious contender for the title. This year, the Pacers finished third in the Eastern Conference and were eliminated by the Miami Heat
in the Eastern Conference Semi Finals after a hard fought series.
“I love my job. There's only 30 of them and we've gone through some tough times. If you remember, we had to change the culture around here," added Bird.
Bird silenced rumours that he may come back to the Pacers team in a different capacity when he said that he was not interested in a consultant’s position and wanted to stay on as President to complete the transformation he started.
"I love this team. There is no question that this is one of the best locker rooms we've had and it's been a breath of fresh air,” said Bird.
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