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Beasley's Dominance Punctuates First Day of Orlando Summer League

Matt Moore — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:30:00 EST

Filed under: Nets, Bulls, Pacers, Heat, Magic, Eastern, Chicago, Indianapolis, Miami, Summer League, Oklahoma City

Hey, it's the first day. It's the Summer League. It was one game. The first game. Of the Summer League. It's a long week, a long season, a long career. And I'm going to doubt any of that makes Chicago fans that were paying attention to the first day of the NBA's Orlando Summer League feel better, or Miami fans feel worse about today's little exhibition.

Michael Beasley was, in a word, brilliant. 28 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block in 22 minutes. He could have been playing against D-Leaguers, the Harlem Globetrotters, or Mrs. Wormtail's second grade class, those are some slick numbers. That he did it against No.1 overall pick Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls, in the midst of a 94-70 whupping made it all the more emphatic. The Heat dominated this game, even as Chicago started Rose, Joakim Noah, and Tyrus Thomas, who you may recognize as starters and heavy rotation guys. Not exactly a pretty start, even if its easy to brush off, given the absurd context of the Magic's practice facility in a meaningless exhibition in which D-League MVP Kasib Powell scored 15 and Keith Langford and Demetris Nichols led the Bulls. Beasley's game was in full effect today, as he worked his mid-range, long-range, post-work, and driving abilities. In a league that's meant to be used as a scrimmage clinic, Beasley put on one.

In the first game of the day, Russell Westbrook debuted for the Oklahoma Whatchamacallits (name to be decided later), with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Sophomore Jeff Green added 21 points, but in the end the Indiana Pacers squad was victorious behind Andre Emmett's 15, and Earl Calloway's 16 points, 7 assists. Westbrook was the star of the game, though. Not only did he direct the offense and display both aggressiveness and restraint when it was called for, he only accumulated 1 turnover in 30 minutes, which is great for a rookie point guard (like, oh, say, Derrick Rose who had 5 turnovers. But who's counting?).

In the nightcap, the New Jersey Nets used a whole lot of resentment by Brook Lopez who dropped in the draft, to Chris Douglas Roberts who plummeted to the second round, to Jaycee Carroll, who fell out of the draft completely, to dominate the host Orlando Magic. Lopez had 10 points, CDR had 15 points and 5 boards, and Jaycee Carroll, out of Utah State, had 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. In 20 minutes. Jeez. For the Magic, rookie Courtney Lee had 13 points and Derrick Byars had 15. But the Nets slaughtered the Magic in the paint, 40-18. That's kind of a lot, especially for a Magic squad that had a significant size advantage it would seem.

The story of the day,though, was obviously Rose vs. Beasley. And while Beasley was busy getting his, Rose was having severe issues with Heat second round pick Mario Chalmers. Chalmers has been outspoken about his intentions to get significant minutes for the point guard deficient Heat, and today he made a pretty strong case. Chalmers had 11 points and 6 rebounds for the Heat, and did a great job of guarding Rose. It's only one day, and Rose did show flashes of offensive brilliance, driving to the basket in the second half, but overall it was a little disappointment after all the hype. For Michael Beasley, it was just another fun day at the office.

Beasley's Dominance Punctuates First Day of Orlando Summer League originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blazers Gets Jerryd Bayless Via Trade

Tom Ziller — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:20:00 EST

Filed under: Pacers, Trail Blazers, Kings, NBA Draft, Indianapolis

ESPN is reporting that Indiana picked Jerryd Bayless at #11 not for themselves, but for the active active Blazers. Chad Ford says the trade is Bayless and Ike Diogu in exchange for Brandon Rush, picked 13th, and Jarrett Jack. Of course, it's a coup for Portland's Kevin Pritchard, who came into the draft needing a point guard and ended up with arguably the second best one available. And hey! Portland gets to save money in the deal, too.

The heartbreak of this one is that Indiana had no intent or need for Bayless before Portland came calling. The team after Indiana -- my Sacramento Kings -- have no point guard on the roster. Beno Udrih's agent has requested the full mid-level exception ... and the Clippers, who drafted a two-guard in Eric Gordon, are expected to offer as much.

Kings fans would have forgiven David Stern for his accused transgressions just to hear him call Jerryd's name at #12. Instead ... well, hi Jason Thompson. Pleased to meet your acquaintance, I suppose.

Portland is going to win 11 of the next 12 championships. Indiana picked Roy Hibbert with the #17, which comes over in the Jermaine O'Neal deal.

Blazers Gets Jerryd Bayless Via Trade originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, Well, Well. Jermaine O'Neal Is Alive and Headed to Toronto

Matt Moore — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: Raptors, Pacers, Eastern, Indianapolis, Toronto

The rumors had been fluttering for the past 24 hours, and it's apparently a done deal.

Jermaine O'Neal is headed to Toronto, in exchange for TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, and the #17 pick.

For O'Neal, this is the fresh start he's been waiting years for. He's still a capable big man, and working in tandem with Chris Bosh means he doesn't have to shoulder the load under a body riddled with injuries.

For Ford, this settles the question of whether the Raptors wanted him or Jose Calderon. Ford has still proven he can be capable, and he goes to a team rebuilding, again, but with a lot of talent, again. The Pacers are very quietly building a considerably deep backcourt. Now they just have to do something with it. There's a lot of talk about how this is a win-win situation, but that's only if O'Neal stays healthy. If he does, though, the Raptors will have a frontcourt that could destroy small worlds. Likewise, TJ Ford has to prove his neck is up to go full speed. So many questions, and we're not even to draft night yet. Hang on to your hats, folks. This one's about to get rocky.

Well, Well, Well. Jermaine O'Neal Is Alive and Headed to Toronto originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why T.J. Ford is Perfect For Indiana

Tom Ziller — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:12:00 EST

Filed under: Raptors, Pacers, NBA Rumors, Indianapolis, Toronto

While Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski says the deal is off, two local reporters closer to the situation -- the Toronto Star's Doug Smith and the Indianapolis Star's Mike Wells -- indicate talks remain alive in a swap which would send T.J. Ford and Rasho Nesterovic to the Pacers in exchange for Jermaine O'Neal. Two beats one, so let's assume this could happen.

Dwyer at Ball Don't Lie explains why this is such a good deal for Toronto, which needs some defense badly. So let me explain my thoughts on why this works beautifully for Indiana, with an assist from Indy Cornrows, who writes:

Forget all the numbers, cap space, draft picks and expiring contracts for a moment. A deal like this has an aesthetic impact on the Pacers that is hard to quantify. When the two strongest personalities in the organization don't get along, it's a drag on everyone, fans included. I love Jermaine O'Neal and I love Larry Bird, but when it's apparent they don't get along you're almost forced to pick a side. It becomes an unmentionable black cloud hanging over the team and has to have at least a subtle impact on the team.

Sometimes, these clean breaks cause ephemeral periods of holy enlightenment for Earthbound teams weighed down by an old general. Remember Philadelphia? The post-Iverson burst had little to do with reality; in retrospect, I'd venture the mere removal of the long franchise shadow allowed the rest of the team to see the sun for the first time. While the terminal glow can't support itself, it can support future growth, as it has in Philly.

Also: Indiana really needs a point guard. The Pacers already play at a high tempo; Ford's one of the most efficient high-tempo lead guards in the league. And if you're worried about injury risk, um, you're trading Jermaine O'Neal, who played 42 games for the low, low price of $19.7 million last year. Considering Rasho has an expiring contract, and Ford's deal is not too long, this baby needs no more thought.

Why T.J. Ford is Perfect For Indiana originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Draft Crystal Ballin': Indiana Pacers

Tom Ziller — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Pacers, NBA Draft, Indianapolis

Crystal Ballin' takes a team-by-team look at what should, could, and probably will happen in the June 26th NBA Draft.

Larry Bird's got sole possession of the reins. Larry Bird does not have the best record of personnel decisions. Larry Bird seeks to completely rebuild in the Indiana roster, and that starts with the #11 pick in Thursday's draft. What could possibly go wrong?!

Picks: #11, #41.

Needs: The point guard position is currently manned by Jamaal Tinsley and Travis Diener. That tells you almost everything you need to know ... but we'll add that assuming Jermaine O'Neal gets traded this century, another big to augment the terrifying Jeff Foster-Troy Murphy gauntlet could be in order.

Best case scenario: Everyone thinks D.J. Augustin would be beautiful in Pacers yellow (?), and the conventional wisdom appears to be correct: Augustin would be the best replacement possibly available. A second-rounder who could contribute immediately (J.J. Hickson, Richard Hendrix) would be great as well.

More likely scenario: Augustin should still be on the board here. If he's not, the "best player available" mandate rules Anthony Randolph, Danilo Gallinari, or Joe Alexander would be the choice. In the second round, Bird might have to opt for high-odds potential instead of a contributor type, as the league seems to be getting wise on the benefits there.

Please don't take: Honestly, anything will help. Danny Granger is the only Pacer worth sequestering in the "untouchable" vault, and he can play multiple positions. Quality is needed everywhere.

Trade possibilities: Quite high, considering O'Neal's eternal presence on the block. He clearly has more value in a different jersey, and hopefully Bird can help the fan base make a final break from the old, awesome era of Pacers basketball.

NBA Draft Crystal Ballin': Indiana Pacers originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Danny Granger Considering Batcave Options

Tom Ziller — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:49:00 EST

Filed under: Pacers, Indianapolis

Ta' hell with Gilbert's high-altitude tent! Pacer hero Danny Granger's got a killer architectural project in the works. From a Granger interview on Pacers.com, via the unstoppable Indy Cornrows:

[W]hen I build a house a couple years down the line, I was telling my fiancée I wanted to have - once again with the superhero thing - you know how Batman drives into a hidden cave? I'm serious. I even met with like a builder and ask if this would be possible -- have a secret entrance to my house that no one knows about. Make it look like whatever, but have a secret way I can get to my house that I could drive my car in. It would probably cost way too much money but I really may think about doing that. Like seriously. I'm dead serious.

Granger's eligible for a contract extension this summer, and he should get $55 million plus for five more years. He's an excellent shooter and defender, a great kid, and the only positive thing Indiana's got going ... sort of like Sacramento's Kevin Martin last year (who got a $55 million deal). Granger can be an All-NBA player in his career. (That might make the Batcave more valuable, actually, considering Jamaal Tinsley's plight.)

Danny Granger Considering Batcave Options originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jermaine O'Neal to Cleveland? No, Say Pacers

Tom Ziller — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Pacers, NBA Rumors, Cleveland, Indianapolis

A rumor that has Jermaine O'Neal headed to Cleveland (with the #11 pick) for expiring-in-2009 contracts has picked up plenty of heat over the past week, as happens with most J.O. rumors these days. But Pacers general manager David Morway squashed the idea in a conversation with RealGM's Andrew Perna Friday, saying the teams haven't discussed the center.

"It's tough to answer questions on trades, but in this particular case, I will say that the rumor is completely false," Morway added.

Morway's going to have to squash a lot of J.O. rumors this summer, it seems. Last year, the Lakers rumor strung from May to October and beyond, and almost became one of those inevitabilities, like Ron Artest-for-Peja Stojakovic circa 2005.

Indiana's decision (or inability, who knows) to begin the rebuilding process over the past 12 months has been a bit astonishing. The team has one solid youngster (Danny Granger) and two interesting roleplayer prospects (Shawne Williams and Ike Diogu). The team's best player (Mike Dunleavy Jr.) turns 28 this fall and might have just completed a huge fluke year. The highest paid player (J.O.) played only 1,200 minutes this season and has hit the 30-year-old wall of (potential) doom. The #11 pick could add a great piece ... but the Pacers need many great pieces to begin the healing process. Hopefully, they started working on that sometime soon, lest Indiana fans be trapped in the too-good-to-draft-a-franchise-player, too-bad-to-contend purgatory.

Jermaine O'Neal to Cleveland? No, Say Pacers originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jermaine O'Neal and Ron Artest Won't Be Jumping in the Free Agent Pool

Matt Watson — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Pacers, Kings, Eastern, Western, NBA Rumors, Indianapolis

From the "was this even a question?" department comes the extremely un-shocking news that Jermaine O'Neal has decided not to opt out of the last two years on the contract. Indeed, a guy who's averaged 30.5 missed games over the last four years has decided not to leave $44 million on the table in pursuit of a new contract.

But while O'Neal correctly assumed that he couldn't make that much on the open market, that's not to say there won't be demand for his services. The Pacers are (still) rebuilding, so it doesn't make sense for them to carry a max contract. If they can get the right combination of expiring contracts and young talent, they'd probably jump on it. When healthy, O'Neal is an excellent defender and dominant post player -- there are only a small handful of teams in the league who couldn't use a guy like that.

In actual slightly surprising news, Ron Artest's agent indicated that his client is leaning toward not opting out of the final year of his contract. If he stays put, he'll earn just $7.4 million, or half of what Artest thinks he might make on the open market. Trouble is, not enough teams have that kind of money to spend this summer, so he's inclined to wait it out. It's possible the Kings could trade him, but I don't think they will. Sacramento is closer to contending than a lot of people realize -- they would have made the playoffs were they in the East.

Jermaine O'Neal and Ron Artest Won't Be Jumping in the Free Agent Pool originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Larry Bird Likes Beyonc�, Batum

Tom Ziller — Wed, 28 May 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Pacers, NBA Draft, Indianapolis

Indy Cornrows has some transcribed quotes from a Larry Bird interview on Indianapolis radio regarding the Pacers' draft plans. Picking #11, most mocks have Bird selecting a point guard (D.J. Augustin, Russell Westbrook) or a potential-ridden big of some sort (DeAndre Jordan). In the interview, Bird reveals only that whomever Indy picks, it will be someone who can contribute immediately. (Cornrows notes that this could very well be some smoke.)

Bird also notes he has been watching tape on Nicolas Batum, though he couldn't tell you where he plays. He knows exactly where Beyoncé Knowles is ... or is not, actually.

[Host] Eddie [White]: Was Beyoncé there?

Larry: Uhh, well, if she was I probably would've seen her but I didn't see her.

Eddie: Oh boy, that's bad, go all the way to New York...if Jay-Z is sitting next to me, I would hope, because he's kind of ugly, I'd have love to have seen Beyoncé. She is strong, (Larry laughing) strong.

Larry: Yep, I'd agree with ya.

Larry Bird knows what he likes!

Larry Bird Likes Beyonc�, Batum originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 28 May 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In A Season of Change, Pacers Keep It in the Family

Matt Moore — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:06:00 EST

Filed under: Pacers, Eastern, Indianapolis

The New York Knicks are flushing the seeds of ineptitude out of Madison Square Garden, one step at a time. Ed Stefanski is leading a revival of the Sixers in Philly. Billy Knight has had enough of the ownership issues in Atlanta. Even successful franchises like the Mavericks and Suns are making drastic changes in coaching and leadership.

But in Indiana, even with the departure of Donnie Walsh to New York, the Pacers are keeping it in the family. In need of a GM to supplement Team President of Basketball, Larry Bird, the Pacers decided to promote from within. They have promoted Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations, David Morway to the GM position, where he will assume the duties of both positions.

The GM position in Indiana is little more than a figurehead, regardless, with Bird holding so much power including what is referred to as a "single voice." Furthermore, with Mark Cuban's recent comments that GM's are held essentially powerless to the will of the owner, that would make Morway third man in this totem pole. Bird has had success but the roster is fairly a mess. We'll see what effect, if any, this new "right hand man" will have in Indiana.

In A Season of Change, Pacers Keep It in the Family originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 07 May 2008 23:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kelvin Sampson and the Great Lakes Vortex

Tom Ziller — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:12:00 EST

Filed under: Bulls, Pistons, Bucks, NBA Rumors, Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee

ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported last night that new Milwaukee head coach Scott Skiles is trying to hire disgraced former Indiana U chief Kelvin Sampson as an assistant. Sampson was last seen carousing with the Spurs, apparently after finding out disgraced former Missouri chief Quin Snyder got a gig with San Antonio's D-League affiliate. (Gregg Popovich is like the Dr. Drew for folks with an addiction to recruiting violations.)

Should Sampson land on Skiles's bench, it would complete (we hope) a massive shuffle of coaches in the Great Lakes region. As FanHouse's PostmanR (a Chicagoan) noted in an e-mail: Skiles (who lives in Bloomington during the summer) got canned by Chicago and went to Milwaukee, Sampson got exiled from Bloomington and could end up in Milwaukee, while Indiana hired Tom Crean ... from Marquette, in Milwaukee.

Since it seems unlikely the Bulls (or anyone) will hire deposed Bucks boss Larry Krystowiak, the only remaining solution: hire Detroit assistant Terry Porter, who previously coached the Bucks (check), was born in Milwaukee (check), and played at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point (checkmate). (Presumed Bulls frontrunner Rick Carlisle -- formerly of the NBA franchises in Detroit and Indiana -- would make plenty of "sense," too. And hey, maybe Flip Saunders can get canned and take the long-rumored/long-LOLed Minnesota Gophers gig.)

Kelvin Sampson and the Great Lakes Vortex originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pacers Drop to 35-45 ... But They're Still Alive

Tom Ziller — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:35:00 EST

Filed under: Pacers, Hawks, Warriors, NBA Playoffs, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Oakland

Apologies for beating this horse so mercilessly, so relentlessly ... but Golden State, at 47-32, is the last hope to snare an up-for-grabs playoff spot in the West. Back East, the last floating contender is Indiana, who after tonight's home loss to the Charlotte F. Bobcats stands at 35-45. This is unbelievable.

Atlanta lost in Boston, so Indiana lives another night. They need to sweep Washington and New York on Monday and Wednesday, respectively. They also need Atlanta to lose to Orlando and Miami on Tuesday and Wednesday. It's hard to blame the Hawks for not being able to clinch Saturday night against the Celtics -- The Big Three did play for three quarters. Of course, Atlanta was tied after those three quarters ... and were outscored by 10 in the fourth with Sam Cassell doing the damage.

Don Nelson let some "this isn't fair" sentiment slip after his team's loss to Denver on Thursday. It sounded like sour grapes then, but he's completely right: this is bull. God bless Atlanta for finally finding a way into the postseason, but they'd be in 12th place in the West. Golden State would be fourth in the East. Something's gotta give.

Pacers Drop to 35-45 ... But They're Still Alive originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Indy, With 34 Wins and 44 Losses, Stays Alive

Tom Ziller — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:25:00 EST

Filed under: Nets, Pacers, Hawks, NBA Playoffs, Atlanta, Indianapolis

Atlanta's opportunity tonight to basically clinch their first playoff berth in roughly 1,400 years came and went without much fanfare -- the Hawks, after all, have looked like a sure playoff team for weeks now. Indiana needed a win over Atlanta tonight to stay alive, and -- hey! -- they got it.

Mike Bibby has heard choirs of angels and flutists since arriving in February, but tonight was a big ole foghorn. Bibby went 0-for-8 with 2 assists in 26 minutes. Bibby's Indy counterpart, Flip Murray, had a bonkers evening with 20 points on 11 shots and 10 assists. (Their salaries are only about $12.7 million apart, though.)

Atlanta's still in strong position for ~~the gift of a first-round execution by Boston~~ playoffs -- the Hawks hold a two-game lead over Indy with four games to go. The Pacers need to win out and watch the Hawks lose to two of the Celtics, Magic, New York and Miami, or go 3-1 and pray the Knicks or Heat can stun Atlanta. (The Nets, 32-45 and idle tonight, are allegedly alive too.)

It's criminal this race is happening while the 46-31 Denver Nuggets and the 46-31 Golden State Warriors have do-or-die games tonight. Time to update the Geneva Conventions, or at least the league rules.

Indy, With 34 Wins and 44 Losses, Stays Alive originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donnie Walsh Denies Deal With Knicks, No One Believes Him

Matt Watson — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Pacers, Eastern, NBA Rumors, Indianapolis, New York

Officially, both the Pacers and Donnie Walsh are denying ESPN's report from late last night that Walsh has agreed to sign with the Knicks at the end of the season. Unofficially, though, both Sports Illustrated's Ian Thomsen and the New York Daily News' Frank Isola have found their own unidentified "league source" to corroborate ESPN's report. According to Isola's source, just because Walsh is denying a deal doesn't mean the framework isn't still in place:

"If Donnie is saying he hasn't accepted anything then nothing is done but he has an offer," the NBA source told the News. "I think it is safe to say they have a handshake agreement."

Of course, the fact that additional outlets are "confirming" this rumor doesn't necessarily mean anything: for all we know, all of these unidentified "NBA sources" may be just a single individual happy to chat with multiple reporters.

But still, this thing seems to be picking up steam -- enough so that it may have been the reason the Knicks canceled practice today -- or at least pretended to cancel practice so Isiah Thomas could avoid the media, depending on how much you take what the Knicks are saying at face value. Stay tuned.

Donnie Walsh Denies Deal With Knicks, No One Believes Him originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ESPN Reports Donnie Walsh Will Sign Three-Year Contract With Knicks

Matt Watson — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 06:15:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Pacers, Eastern, NBA Rumors, Indianapolis, New York, ESPN

The Pacers held a press conference on Monday to announce that Donnie Walsh was leaving the team's front office at the end of the season. Walsh maintained that he was unsure what his future would hold, but ESPN begs to differ. The Worldwide Leader cites an unnamed source who says Walsh is "expected to sign a three-year, $15 million contract with New York at the end of the season to oversee their basketball operations division." How does Isiah Thomas fit into the new power structure? Sadly, the source does not know.

But just who is this source and can we take him seriously? Alan Hahn of Newsday was unable to confirm or deny the rumor with his own contacts but was still able to shed some light on the matter:

I was able to find out some details of ESPN's story. Usually the network credits a scoop to one of its reporters (i.e.: ESPN's Chris Sheridan is reporting . . .) but on this one a reporter is conspicuously not credited. I was informed that the reason for this is because the report came from an executive-level figure at ESPN, not someone at the reporter level.

I find it hard to believe that this came from the Knicks or the Garden. Throughout this entire ordeal, Garden people have remained tight-lipped. No comment, no nothing. Whatever ESPN got wind of had to have come from someone close to Walsh or the man himself.

And if that's the case, you have to wonder to what degree James Dolan will resent Walsh for letting word leak -- in other words, even if this report was 100% correct at the time it was published, perhaps the publication itself will change things. Or not, I'm just speculating here.

Either way, Hahn also points out that Dolan might be rushing into things by committing to Walsh without even giving other qualified candidates an interview ... which, come to think of it, sounds just like something Dolan would do. If Dolan hadn't given Thomas that ridiculous extension last season, he wouldn't be in quite the mess he's in now.

Previously on FanHouse
Donnie Walsh to Leave Pacers ... for Knicks?
Report Has Donnie Walsh Staying in Indy
Donnie Walsh Has No Interest in Knicks

ESPN Reports Donnie Walsh Will Sign Three-Year Contract With Knicks originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 06:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donnie Walsh Leaves Indiana ... For Knicks?

Tom Ziller — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Pacers, Bucks, NBA Rumors, Indianapolis, New York

Weekend reports had Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh sticking in Indiana and rejecting suspected advances from New York and Milwaukee. But Walsh just told reporters he's stepping down at the end of the year, apparently saving Larry Bird's job and placing Walsh himself firmly on the market.

All rumors now begin with New York. Walsh's meeting with Knicks owner James Dolan was a poorly kept secret last week; the New York practically salivated over Walsh's resume over the weekend. Of course, the New York media -- particularly the Daily News's Frank Isola -- were off by a country mile on this one, reporting on Saturday that Walsh would be staying in Indy and Bird would be out of a job. (It was a coin flip, I guess.)

I suspect Bucks owner Herb Kohl will make a push for Walsh, though any incentive Milwaukee could offer should only come in the form of potential Knicks pitfalls. "Our media and ownership won't ruin your life! You won't have to put up with Stephon Marbury here!" Assuming Walsh had another job lined up, it appears the Isiah Thomas Era is coming to a bloodless end.

Donnie Walsh Leaves Indiana ... For Knicks? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report Has Donnie Walsh Sticking in Indy

Tom Ziller — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Pacers, Bucks, Indianapolis

The New York Daily News this morning indicates Donnie Walsh's meeting with the owners of the Pacers Friday went well, and Walsh is now likely to spurn advances from the Bucks and Knicks to instead take the Indiana job back from Larry Bird.

The Daily News's Frank Isola considers the future of Bird, which we pondered yesterday.

The Simon brothers are not sure whether to keep Bird in a different role or just sever ties with the Indiana legend. There are whispers that Bird's younger brother, who holds the title of premium services manager with the Pacers, already has resigned.

Bird shouldn't be relegated to scout or consultant or adviser or any of that noise -- and I could not imagine he'd take such a job anyways. Bucks owner Sen. Herb Kohl isn't above making a big splash (see: George Karl), and I would imagine Bird's name will come up in talks to replace ousted Larry Harris.

I still think Bird would be a good coach for a promising roster ... like Chicago. He isn't the guy to take over your rebuilding project from the sidelines, but he has shown good understanding of game tactics (obviously) and few ex-players garner such respect from today's ballers. Coaching might not be in his plans anymore, but he seems to have a degree better success in that role than his current one.

Report Has Donnie Walsh Sticking in Indy originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 23 Mar 2008 11:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Might We Have an Eastern Race Too?

Tom Ziller — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:50:00 EST

Filed under: Nets, 76ers, Bulls, Pacers, Hawks, Magic, NBA Playoffs, Atlanta, Indianapolis

Don't look now (really! don't! that's how they snare you!), but the Pacers have won four straight, and ladies and germs: We have a hot race for the 8th seed in the East.

Atlanta scored a massive win over Orlando last night, thanks to tremendous output from Joe Johnson (34 points on 20 shots, 7 assists, 3 steals) and solid efforts all around. That put the Hawks at 30-39, which would be 12th place in the West... but is 8th in the East. Awesome!

But those Pacers are only 1-1/2 games back themselves, thanks to a road win at Chicago. The improbably decent pairing of Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Troy Murphy combined for 49 points on 60% shooting, and Larry Hughes shot 2-11. (Fun!)

The Nets are actually tied with Indiana for 9th place, after a loss at Philadelphia. But no one really cares about the Nets, because they have been almost as disappointing as the Bulls (if that's possible). Not to disparage Nets fans (it's not your fault), but seeing the Celtics visit Atlanta or Indianapolis in the first round would be vastly more entertaining than a few more games at the 'Zod. Boo Nets!

Might We Have an Eastern Race Too? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Walsh Sticking in Indy? Whither Larry Legend?

Tom Ziller — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 19:05:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Pacers, Bucks, NBA Rumors, Indianapolis

While Milwaukee and New York seem to have at least cursory interest in Pacers exec Donnie Walsh, it looks like the fellow wants to stay in Indiana. Frank Isola of the New York Daily News says this week Walsh will resume talks begun Friday with the owners of the Pacers in attempts to work out a long-term stay with the Pacers ... despite the franchise's fall into destitution.

Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star indicates only one of Walsh or Larry Bird will remain with the Pacers; if it is Walsh who is retained, where the heck is Larry Legend going to go? The past year might have shown Bird's a better coach than personnel guy; Larry boasts a .687 regular season winning percentage as a coach and has a 32-20 playoff record.

Would Larry return to the sidelines somewhere if he couldn't get an immediate presidency with a decent franchise? Would he even take something like Milwaukee or Chicago? It bears watching; Bird isn't going to stay away from the game too long.

Walsh Sticking in Indy? Whither Larry Legend? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 19:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pacers' Fall Between 'Shocking and Apocalyptic'

Tom Ziller — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Pacers, Indianapolis

Howard Beck of the New York Times remains one of the more underrated basketball writers in the country; how he has managed to cover the Isiah Thomas era while maintaining the staid voice of the Grey Lady is a bit astounding. This morning's column from Beck focuses on a different team in turmoil, the Indiana Pacers, where the seats never fill up any more. (Via TrueHoop.)

The Pacers rank last in the N.B.A. in home attendance, drawing 12,107 fans a game. On any given night, there are 6,000 to 8,000 empty green seats. They have not sold out a single game this season. When the Pacers and the Knicks played earlier this week, the upper deck appeared 95 percent empty.

In a state where basketball is the unofficial religion, the mass exodus falls somewhere between shocking and apocalyptic.

There's one more key quote in there, from longtime Pacer Jeff Foster, I'd be remiss not to pass on.

"Obviously, there's some guys on the team that the fans don't relate with," Foster said, "and I've heard people say they won't come back to games until certain people are gone."

And the Pacers know this: Look at the Stephen Jackson trade or the Jim O'Brien ad campaign. It'd be absurd oversimplification to call this a battle in the NBA's culture war, because the Pacers' criminal problems of late outrank those of any other team in the league; fans in NYC or L.A. would be revolting, too.

You wonder, though, if these last few years have sparked some latent kindling underneath the surface problems, though; kindling which could seriously delay the rebuilding of the fan base. Let's hope not.

Pacers' Fall Between 'Shocking and Apocalyptic' originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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