Larry Bird took to the podium Wednesday for his end of the year news conference. It’s obvious that he really enjoys being part of this team and he is proud of the guys he put together.
Many, including myself, would like to see Indy-native Eric Gordon return and play for his hometown team.
For Gordon, it makes a ton of sense. He is very good friends with George Hill, a free agent who the Pacers are expected to re-sign.
EJ spends a lot of his free time here in Indianapolis. In the summer, he works out out with former IU teammate DJ White. His family has an annual camp at the JCC, a place that Gordon spent hours daily growing up.
Meantime, his youngest brother, Eron, is beginning high school next year at North Central and EJ enjoys being big brother. After his season was over with the Hornets, he went with Eron to various AAU stops. Gordon is a low-key, close-knit family man. When asked multiple times whether he would like to come home, he immediately smiles.
Gordon, who will begin his fifth NBA next year, is a restricted free agent with the Hornets — meaning they have the opportunity to match the offer from any team. Larry Bird addressed the team’s mentality towards restricted free agents.
“We don’t go after restricted free agents. I’d go after them. But my owner doesn’t let me.”
One of Bird’s better traits is his honesty. He freely speaks his mind. Is this a little elbow to owner Herb Simon, asking for some additional money or wiggle room should he remain? Possibly.
The one knock on Gordon has been his health. He missed the majority of the 2011-12 season, taking the court for just nine games. In the past two seasons, he has played in 65-of-148 games, or 44 percent. That’s a statistic any interested team has to consider.
Staying or going?
No decision has been made on whether Larry Bird will return as President of Basketball Operations next season. Bird and Pacers owner Herb Simon have been working off a handshake agreement for the last few years. Bird said he has talked with Simon some and still has many questions he wants answered before making a decision.
The way he talked, Bird sure sounded like he wanted to return after covering a few issues with Mr. Simon. Though he did note, “sometimes I just want to sit in the woods.” He’s a big hunting guy.
Money won’t be an issue. Remember, he took a big pay cut this year.
“I love my job and I love my players,” Bird admitted.
Bench pieces needed
When asked what changes need to be made to this team, Bird quickly said, “our bench.” Once the playoffs came, the Pacers got little production beyond their starters and he recognizes it’s a primary area of concern.
“For us to be successful in a small market, we have to have a better bench.”
Still high on Stephenson
At the end of the year presser last year, Bird said he believed Lance Stephenson was the team’s best talent. His confidence remains high in the 21-year-old who just completed his second NBA season.
Stephenson played in 42 games last year and averaged 10.5 minutes 2.6 points, and 1.3 rebounds per game.
Bird thought back to his last year coaching the Pacers, 1999-2000, and recognized Jalen Rose as having the most complete season that year. That’s what he wants for Stevenson.
“I hope he can put it all together and do that.”
No more issues off the court
Bird has completed a swift culture change with the Pacers. Over the last few years, he traded away what he could, waited for some contracts to expire and in Jamaal Tinsley’s case, paid him to go away. The blue and gold now have a quality culture and group of guys that fans want to get behind.
“We had zero problems this year. Well, maybe a couple. But they were very small.”
Quote of the presser
Bird on Danny Granger: “When he dribbles the ball more than three times, he makes me nervous.”