Indiana Pacers Front Office Continues Collapse as GM David Morway Resigns

Shortly after it was reported that Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird was leaving his post, it now appears he won't be the only member of the organization's front office making a surprise exit (via Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix):

"

Pacers GM David Morway has resigned from the team.

— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) June 26, 2012"

After a successful breakout season for the Pacers that saw the young team reach the Eastern Conference Semifinals after a 42-24 regular-season record, the unraveling of this roster's architects is certainly perplexing, if not altogether untimely.

Bird had already expressed interest in replacing Morway with former Portland Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard. 

Perhaps Morway's official resignation was just team owner Herb Simon's way of letting him go with his dignity still in hand. Pritchard would bring the team a wealth of experience and basketball IQ as it attempts to take the next step towards title contention.

It was no secret in Indiana that Bird was the brains behind the roster-building operation, so it's unclear just how much Morway will be missed.

Former Pacers president Donnie Walsh may return to the franchise as well, so a pairing of Walsh and Pritchard could be in the offing.

That would be excellent news for the club in the wake of losing an icon like Bird.

The Pacers have ample cap room with which to work this summer, as well as the 26th overall pick in June 28's draft. Whoever winds up manning the Pacer's front office will have plenty of work to do from day one.