Larry Legend Looks to Build Pacers Into Contenders

One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.

Three-time NBA MVP.

1998 Coach of the Year; now Indiana Pacers President and CEO.

Larry Bird has full control over a franchise that has seen its share of ups and downs over the past five or six years.  Trades, controversy, and of course "The Malice at The Palace."

So what is he to do with a franchise that went from 61-21 in 2003-2004 to 36-46 in 2007-2008?

Well for starters, make the draft count. James White anyone?

Former President and CEO Donnie Walsh missed on several key trades and draft picks that led to the Pacers fall from the Eastern Conference's elite. 

Now its up to Bird to correct those mistakes. 

There are no reasons as to why he can't right this ship.  After all, he was the one that got them to the 2000 NBA Finals as coach. 

No longer are fans in Indiana going to stand and watch their beloved Pacers bottom feed year after year.  This town wants recognition outside of the Indy 500. 

They want to be known as champions.  They achieved that in 2007 with the Indianapolis Colts. 

But this is basketball country. 

This is where legends and history is made. Just watch the 1986 Academy Award winning movie "Hoosiers".

This draft, according to some, may be one of the deepest in years.  But Indiana can't miss on this draft.  They pick 11th.  They have target players; role players that Larry seems to think can step in right away and contribute. 

"I think it's a great draft. I think the top 20 picks are going to be players that step in and play right away," Bird recently said in a news conference on Thursday. 

Bird needs a solid draft this year. 

Since the 2004 NBA Brawl, this franchise has gone to the toilet.  Injuries, player trades, and controversies have all led to the demise of this once proud NBA Franchise. 

No longer can Bird allow players like Peja Stojakovic leave via free agency.  No longer can he leave Jermaine O'Neal on an island to carry the franchise on his back.  If that is the direction that they shall go in, keeping Jermaine, then surround him with players who can take some of the pressure off of him.  It's obvious that his better days are behind him, but he is still only 30 years old, and is one of the premier shot blockers in the league when healthy. 

Dunleavy and Murphy are not the answers. 

As great as Kevin Garnett was in Minnesota, as well as Ray Allen in Seattle, it was obvious they weren't able to carry their respective franchises on their own.

Neither can Jermaine. 

His best years as a pro came when he had solid inside help in Brad Miller, and a key perimeter shooter (Reggie Miller) on the outside. 

If Indiana can't provide that, move him. 

Larry can't just stand back and expect his cornerstone player take a beating, much like Kevin McHale with Garnett.  McHale knew Garnett wasn't going to bring Minnesota a title on his own.  He had no other players to bring in via trade or free agency to compliment him.  So he sent him packing to Boston for expiring contracts and role players. 

Bird has much of the same to do.  Only now he has all the control.  No one else to go through.  In this upcoming draft, its all on him.