"Indiana Pacers president of basketball Larry Bird, who's been in the position since June 2003, strongly hinted that next season will be his last with the organization.

"It's at a point now in my life where I think it might be time to really reconsider and see how long I want to do this,'' Bird, 54, told the Boston Globe. "They asked me to stay another year through the lockout season, the owner (Herb Simon) did, for a favor. I was leaving, but he asked me to stay, and I will and I'll get the job done."

Bird added that he and Simon have an agreement for Bird to continue in his role on a year-to-year basis.

"It's a handshake deal,'' Bird said. "I don't want a (long-term) contract.""