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Larry Bird Forgets the Indiana Pacers Are 29-28, Doesn’t Improve Team at Deadline

By Jacob Breece

Apr 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; (From left to right) Indiana Pacers general manager Donnie Walsh, owner Herb Simon, and president Larry Bird watch the Indiana Pacers play against the Atlanta Hawks in game one during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Atlanta defeats Indiana 101-93. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; (From left to right) Indiana Pacers general manager Donnie Walsh, owner Herb Simon, and president Larry Bird watch the Indiana Pacers play against the Atlanta Hawks in game one during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Atlanta defeats Indiana 101-93. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indiana Pacers didn’t make any trades at the deadline on Thursday despite being talks with several teams.

How do you do nothing? Every single team in the “second tier” of the Eastern Conference made moves except the Indiana Pacers.

Even a small move such as the Atlanta Hawks prying Ersan Ilyasova from the Philadelphia 76ers. Or the Washington Wizards improving on terrible bench play by snagging Bojan Bogdanovic from the Brooklyn Nets. Moves like these matter when fighting for position in a very tight Eastern Conference. Not only did the Pacers not improve during the deadline, THEY SHOPPED PAUL GEORGE.

I just do not understand the thinking by management. While I say that, I understand sometimes doing nothing is better than a making a bad move. I am glad that Bird didn’t throw this years draft pick at a player that doesn’t fit on this roster, like Jahlil Okafor.

But, this was the time to make a decision between the future and the now. This was the time to prove to PG that you are willing to make any move necessary to build a winning team. The time to secure hope that Paul will stay in Indy for years to come.

The Paul George Dilemma

I know that Pacers fans were excited that Paul wasn’t moved but do not let that distract you from what really happened.

More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds

Bird failed, he failed at getting help for the face of the franchise. The same person that has said time and time again that winning is his motivation to sign a deal. As bad as Bird was at that he was equally as bad at building for the future. He is setting up the Pacers to be in the same situation as Sacramento just was with Demarcus Cousins. As time dwindles, trade value goes with it. These teams know PG wants to play for a winning team. This team as presently constructed is not a good enough team for Paul. The league knows it and other teams will start to believe they can get him in free agency.

Now, I’m not saying that it’s a bad idea to gauge interest for future reference. But Paul sees these things just like all of us do. Then to turn around and get no help for him just doesn’t make sense. For a team that has glaring weaknesses at such key aspects of basketball such as rebounding and shooting. Ignoring those might not be a recipe for success in the second half of the season.

Glass Half Full

It’s clear that I’m just not a fan of the lack of moves or real plan from Bird but it’s not the end of the world. There are still 25 games left, more than enough to creep up the standings. Everything is still intact as far as roster and just as importantly picks. With a loaded draft class coming in the summer it was crucial for Bird to not make a move and trade this years first just to do it. This team is still coming together and has shown the ability to play like a top ten team at times.

Next: That Time When O.J. Mayo Was Almost Traded to the Pacers

Even if this squad can’t quite pull it together this year there is always another offseason to fix certain flaws. I still believe in the players we have to pull it together and make it tough for PG to think about going anywhere but Indianapolis.

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