Larry Bird to discuss his future, meeting with Pacers owner Herb Simon in California

The future of the Indiana Pacers may be decided Tuesday as Larry Bird is meeting with owner Herb Simon in California.

After serving as head coach from 1997 to 2000, Bird has held the title of President of Basketball Operations since 2003. Will that continue, nobody’s for sure.

He has earned it, but Simon may have other ideas in his mind.

Now to debate the pros and cons of Larry Bird returning.

Pros

• He wants to stick around.
• He’s Indiana born and raised.
• He said the Pacers were on a three-year rebuilding plan—and that they were. This last year in their third year, the team made the playoffs and competed hard against Chicago.
• He knows the team from the inside out. Being around the team for so long, he is very comfortable with staff and personnel.
• (It appears) He has strong relationships with executives around the league. This is important to made deals, gage interest and evaluate talent.
• He would probably keep interim head coach Frank Vogel around (and also his staff).
• He has drafted well lately including Roy Hibbert, Tyler Hansbrough and Paul George.

Cons

• It’s time for a new voice.
• He sounds unsure. Either you’re all-in or out.
• He has been here long enough and can’t do anymore.
• He is overpaid and hasn’t deserved the money Simon has already paid him.
• There are many more executives out there that would do a much better job.
• The new president would probably bring in a whole new staff and possibly support group.
• Frank Vogel has a small shot of returning.
• He has missed on multiple players and taking risks such as James White, Shawne Williams and Lance Stephenson.

The Pacers have the most money available, tallying over $33 million this offseason. The free-agent market isn’t of high quality nonetheless but the Pacers can finally spend. Overpaid players are finally getting off their books allowing the blue and gold some flexibility.

The truth may be told today, but Simon will probably opt to sit on his decision. Today will be a quality discussion about the franchise moving forward. As to whether Simon and Bird agree on the direction of the team—I guess we’ll have to wait to find out.