David Morway resigns as Pacers GM

David Morway is a business man that knew early on what he wanted to do. He enjoyed business, but had a passion for sports.

He found a great mentor who took an interest in a young, eager Morway. He was asked to write proposals, look over documents and bring his opinion to the table. The team was impressed, and that’s how Morway got his start in the NBA.

Tuesday, the Pacers announced the first of multiple front office changes. Morway has resigned as Pacers General Manager after holding that title since 2008.

14 years ago, he came to the Pacers when Larry Bird was head coach and the franchise was having incredible success. Then, through the brawl madness, he was one of the executives, along with Donnie Walsh and Bird, forced to re-tool the roster.

In my discussions with Morway, he was a great guy with an impeccable knowledge for the NBA. Over the last few years, he has interviewed for the general manager position with other teams but was never hired.

He was always friendly to me, and I wish him the best.

As for why Morway is out, Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star dropped some very interesting details in a blog.

It takes awhile to earn Bird’s trust and once you burn that bridge he’s done with people. That’s the case right now with Morway.

The final straw with the Bird-Morway relationship, according to those close to the two, came during training camp when the Pacers failed to land O.J. Mayo and then lost out on free agent Jamal Crawford – option No. 2 to be the team’s first shooting guard off the bench – on the same day.

The Pacers had agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that would have sent Josh McRoberts to Memphis for Mayo because the Grizzlies were trying to shed salary. Sources say it was Morway that caused the deal to “fall apart” because he pushed the Grizzlies to take swingman Brandon Rush. Morway did a lot of talking to teams and some of the negotiating. Bird would then step in and make the final decision.

Bird was seething over the blown deal, according to sources. He had lost any remaining trust in Morway after that.

And here’s the release from the Pacers:

The Indiana Pacers announced Tuesday that David Morway has resigned as General Manager of the franchise.

Morway was originally hired in January, 1999, as Vice President of Basketball Administration and was promoted to General Manager in April, 2008. When Morway was hired as General Manager of the Pacers, the franchise initiated a rebuilding plan that culminated this year with a 42-24 record and an appearance in the second round of the playoffs against the Miami Heat.

“I’ve had a terrific 13-plus years with the franchise,” said Morway. “The performance of this year’s team both on and off the court was incredibly rewarding. To experience Bankers Life Fieldhouse full to the rafters again, with an energy reminiscent of the late 90s, and to see our fan base re-engaged and proud made it all worthwhile.

“While I deeply care about this franchise, sometimes change is important for everyone concerned. For the past year I have carefully and thoughtfully considered my personal, family and professional goals. After discussing all of these issues with our owner, Herb Simon, and Larry (Bird, President of Basketball Operations), I believe this is the right time to step away.

“I want to thank Mr. Simon, Larry, (former team president) Donnie Walsh and (team president) Jim Morris for the opportunity they gave me and the friendship and mentorship they provided. I also want to thank everyone associated with the franchise, including all of the players, our coaches and our terrific staff as well as the Indianapolis community and all of our fans for giving me and my family the opportunity to be part of Pacers’ basketball for the last 13-plus years.”

“We are very appreciative of David’s efforts the entire time he has been here,” said Simon. “His work ethic and dedication to making this franchise better was unwavering through many good times and some difficult times. Whatever direction his professional future takes him, I’m certain he will have success and a positive impact.”