Three years ago, Larry Bird sat in front of the media promising that the Indiana Pacers would return to the playoffs in three years. It would take that much time to clean up, work some deals, and let contracts play out.And he did just that.This summer however, the Pacers could be having a major over-haul. Following the 2010-11 season, everyone on the basketball side is up for a new contract.Earlier this week, our friend Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star wrote that Larry Bird was wrong to go public with demands of Simon. In it, he brought up valid points such as this was just a 37-win team in the Eastern Conference and that he has had his personnel struggles such as Jamaal Tinsley, Sarunas Jasikevicius, and James White.But also remember this is the same guy that gathered a tremendous young core of talent in Roy Hibbert, Tyler Hansbrough, Darren Collison and Paul George.ESPN NBA Insider Chad Ford was watching George scrimmage two days ago against other young NBA stars and had high praise for the rookie.“Great to see Paul George already working on his game. If there was a 2010 re-draft I think he'd go 3 behind Wall & Cousins. He's special.”On draft day in June 2010, I was in the stands at Conseco Fieldhouse and the general consensus on the pick was, “who?” Not bad for the number ten pick, where many were hoping for Gordon Hayward who was taken just one spot ahead to the Utah Jazz.Bird is willing he said, if owner Herb Simon will put the necessary resources into the team. Interesting statement, considering Mr. Simon has done nothing but help the city and both the Pacers and Fever. Without him, I’m not sure downtown Indianapolis would be thriving like it is today. Don’t forget, Simon owns Circle Centre Mall, which also helped attract the Indianapolis Colts. You get the drift.Larry Legend, 54, has a few more years in him. He stuck around for these three challenging years, why wouldn’t he jump on board to weep the benefits.
Interim head coach Frank Vogel stressed in his first press conference that he believes in this team, they have enough talent to make the playoffs and prepare for a special end to the season.
And he did just that.
If the Pacers don’t hire him soon, somebody will. Thursday, Vogel was in Houston interviewing for the Rockets vacancy.
At 37, Vogel is just what this franchise needs – a fresh, inspiring voice that can relate with the team. He did unique things with his team like watch a clip of Rocky before a game.
This team believes in Vogel who proved in his short stent as interim head coach, that he is deserving—as are a couple of his lead assistants (Dan Burke and Jay Defruscio).
The situation seems all to familiar. Four years ago, Todd Lickliter left Butler for the pay raise and the Big Ten, taking the top position at Iowa. Athletic Director Barry Collier then proceeded to make a risky move, hiring 30-year-old Brad Stevens to take over the program.
That seems like a great decision now right?
Larry Bird is flying out to California to meet with Herb Simon and discuss the future of the team. Simon always has and always will put his heart into this city and franchise.
And I believe that’s exactly what he will do on Tuesday.