In a joint announcement by Larry Bird and Pacers team owner Herb Simon, it is now official that Bird will remain the president of basketball operations.
Despite speculation lasting for months that Bird may be retiring or seeking other employment, it was confirmed on Tuesday that he will be remaining with the team. Also announced was the fact that David Moray will remain the general manager of the team.
As a small market franchise in the NBA, the Pacers have been searching for an identity after Reggie Miller retired. Bird, despite never playing a game in an Indiana uniform, has somewhat become a face for the franchise as team leader, Danny Granger, doesn't garner the attention that some feel he deserves.
By retaining Bird as team president, it provides stability at the top of an organization that fired coach Jim O'Brien mid-season and replaced him with interim coach, Frank Vogel. While utilizing a younger starting lineup, Vogel led the team to a 20-18 record along with the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. It was the team's first postseason appearance since 2006, and they made it despite posting a losing record on the season.
Looking to build on that playoff appearance, Bird said the following: "...I hope we can keep our core basketball group together and one of my first priorities will be to address the coaching situation."
Despite a late lull under Vogel, many hope and expect that he will be named the full-time coach of the team. Even though it was ultimately a series loss to the top-seeded Chicago Bulls in the opening round, the team played well and hope to carry that momentum into next year.
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