Larry Bird is stepping down as president of the Indiana Pacers and Donnie Walsh could soon return to the franchise, according to a report in the Indianapolis Star.
Bird, 55, is “100 percent sure” he will not return as president of the team, a source with “direct knowledge” of the situation told The Star.
Bird earned $1 million this past season when he was named NBA Executive of the Year.
Bird’s departure, triggered in part by nagging health issues, paves the way for Walsh, the team’s former CEO, to return to the franchise. Walsh enjoys a strong relationship with Pacers owner Herb Simon.
Walsh left the Knicks following the 2010-11 season after overhauling the team by clearing cap space and acquiring Amar’e Stoudemire. He then opposed the trade for Carmelo Anthony, but was with the Knicks when the team sacrificed four key players and multiple draft picks to obtain Anthony.
Walsh will likely work with Kevin Pritchard, the current director of player personnel who figures to become Indiana’s new GM, the Star reported.
Bird’s departure could also have implications for Pacers guard Lance Stephenson of Brooklyn. Bird was a staunch supporter of Stephenson, who has struggled to live up to the hype of being nicknamed “Born Ready” and being a one-and-done out of Cincinnati.
Photo: Reuters
