Jim O'Brien Will Return as Indiana Pacers Head Coach

In a press conference yesterday, Pacers President Larry Bird announced that head coach Jim O’Brien will return for next season. O’Brien is entering the final year of his contract with the Pacers, following three losing seasons with the team. Bird briefly mentioned the possibility of an extension.

Bird said, “I haven’t really thought about that, but obviously, if Jimmy wants to talk about it, we’ll do that. He’s under contract, and we expect him to fulfill his contract.”

I agree with the decision to allow O’Brien to return for next season, but I think talks of an extension are premature at the moment. O’Brien has had a losing record in each of the past three seasons, and that should not earn the right to an extension in my opinion. The team improved a lot during this season, and another year under O’Brien’s system may help.

However, O’Brien made a key mistake this year that cannot be overlooked. Rookies Roy Hibbert and Brandon Rush were starting to look pretty good by the end of the season, but O’Brien waited way too long to get them into the rotation. Rush especially was stuck on the bench for much of the season, and at the end he proved he is a very capable player.

With Hibbert and Rush playing from the beginning of the season, and any additions made during the offseason, the Pacers should be able to improve next year, and possibly make the playoffs in this season. Wait until next season has started before beginning extension talks, make O’Brien earn it first.

*Killthegoat is a Sports Jabber contributing author.  You can find more of his work at Indy Sports Blog.

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