Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Comment

July 3

Indianapolis Star

"Roy Hibbert knows the skeptics are out there, and he has heard their questions. Can he stop fouling long enough to become the Indiana Pacers' go-to post player on offense and be an intimidating shot-blocker on defense? Is the second-year center insulted? No, just motivated. Hibbert, the talented but foul-prone center, thinks about it during weight lifting sessions. It's on his mind when he's defending quick perimeter players off pick-and-roll switches. And when he's working with assistant coaches on his offensive game. "I'm trying to develop into that go-to guy, so when they rely on me, I'm going to give them two points," Hibbert said after the team's first day of summer league practice ..."

Time to go shopping

Comment

July 2

Indianapolis Star

"The hill in the Eastern Conference continues to get steeper for the Pacers. Washington, Atlanta and Detroit have already made significant moves to improve their roster. You're not about to see president Larry Bird and general manager David Morway suddenly start hammering away on the panic button. The Pacers say be patient, they have a three-year plan. You're probably thinking that's easier said than done, especially since you haven't seen the Pacers in the playoffs since 2006. The Pacers are optimistic they'll be able to sign some good players this summer. They just plan on doing it with a "Dollar General" shopping mentality. Don't expect the Pacers, who have about $8 million to spend, to ..."

Pacers' priorities start from within

Comment

July 1

Indianapolis Star

"The NBA's free agency period starts today, but the Indiana Pacers' shopping list is short. They have about $8 million to spend, and their priorities are to re-sign restricted free agent Jarrett Jack and stay below the luxury tax, expected to kick in at about $68 million next season. Team president Larry Bird said the Pacers are in the second year of a three-year rebuilding plan and have no intention of deviating. "We're going to get down below that and we're going to build with a young core group," Bird said. "Then we won't have any complaints to go forward with." The Pacers made qualifying offers to Jack and forward Josh McRoberts on Tuesday, giving them the right to match any offer ..."

Pacers make offers to Jack, McRoberts

Comment

June 30

Indianapolis Star

"The Indiana Pacers have made qualifying offers to guard Jarrett Jack and forward Josh McRoberts, giving the team the right to match any other offers the players' receive as restricted free agents. Team president Larry Bird has said he wants to re-sign both. Jack replaced T.J. Ford in the starting lineup for the final 12 games and ended the season averaging 13.1 points and 4.1 assists. Jack can play both guard spots."

Hansbrough's passion shines

Comment

June 27

Indianapolis Star

"Indiana Pacers coach Jim O'Brien glanced to his right at the banner hanging in the pavilion lobby of Conseco Fieldhouse. Then he looked up at the banner to his left. "It's not ironic that I'm looking at these two banners and they both say, 'Passion,' " O'Brien said. "That's not just a marketing theme for what (team president) Larry (Bird's) trying to build here. "It is a foundation that we want to build on, and the young man sitting between Larry and I is a guy that plays with an unbelievable amount of passion." O'Brien also should have pointed out the other part of the franchise's slogan -- "Pride." Passion and pride, two words that go hand in hand with Tyler Hansbrough, the Pacers' ..."

A.J. Price appreciates chance with Pacers

Comment

June 27

Indianapolis Star

"As a second-round NBA draft pick, A.J. Price has a challenge to make the Indiana Pacers. But that's just a basketball challenge. He has faced far more. As a college freshman, he suffered a brain hemorrhage that threatened his life. Price had to sit out the next season after an arrest involving stolen laptop computers, an incident that strained his parents' marriage. In March 2008, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee before recovering to play his senior season and helping lead Connecticut to the Final Four. "It was very difficult. When I went through a lot of different things, there were times I wasn't sure I'd even have this opportunity to be drafted," said Price, taken ..."

Pacers won't pick up option on Marquis Daniels

Comment

June 27

Indianapolis Star

"The Indiana Pacers will not pick up Marquis Daniels' $7.5-million team option, a person with knowledge of the situation said today. Daniels, who has spent the past three seasons with the Pacers, will become an unrestricted free agent July 1. His salary was seen as relatively high for a reserve. The Pacers could re-sign Daniels to a multi-year contract at a lower annual salary during the free agency period. Daniels averaged 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 54 games last season."

Pacers use 13th pick on Tyler Hansbrough

Comment

June 26

Indianapolis Star

"When Tyler Hansbrough was announced as the Indiana Pacers' first-round draft pick, boos and cheers came from the Conseco Fieldhouse stands. The reaction from the crowd estimated at 4,500 that gathered to watch Thursday's NBA draft is nothing new to the North Carolina star. "I think some people just love me or hate me. That's the way it is," said the 6-9 power forward the Pacers selected with the 13th pick. "Everybody has their opinion. Everybody is going to have their determined choices as far as how they feel my game translates or something like that." In the second round, the Pacers picked Connecticut point guard A.J. Price, a productive college player with health and legal issues in his ..."

Bird has his favorites, but who will be the choice at No. 13 in tonight's draft?

Comment

June 25

Indianapolis Star

"Step one in the second year of the Indiana Pacers' three-year rebuilding process begins with tonight's draft. Team president Larry Bird would like to fix all his team's problems with one selection, but that won't happen. The wish list is too long. The Pacers need help at point guard, on the wing and in the post. Bird has narrowed his search to four players. He is confident three still will be available when the Pacersat No. 13. They also have the 52nd pick in the second round. "I'm not sure there's much of a difference from drafting seventh and drafting 13 or 14," ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said. "There's a lot of depth and there's not a lot of separation.""

Bird ready to play wait-and-see

Comment

June 23

Indianapolis Star

"The Indiana Pacers can't be too picky in Thursday's NBA draft. They've missed the playoffs three consecutive years, and their roster has multiple holes outside of All-Star Danny Granger. That's why team president Larry Bird hasn't pegged one position more important than another. "We need 'bigs' and we need a point guard and we need a wing player," he said Monday. "We'll probably take the best player available." Welcome to the life of trying to fix a team that has grown accustomed to starting its summer vacation in the middle of the April. The Pacers have the 13th pick, and Bird said he thinks three of the four players he likes will be available. He didn't identify the players, other than ..."

Bird ready to play wait-and-see

Comment

June 23

Indianapolis Star

"The Indiana Pacers can't be too picky in Thursday's NBA draft. They've missed the playoffs three consecutive years, and their roster has multiple holes outside of All-Star Danny Granger. That's why team president Larry Bird hasn't pegged one position more important than another. "We need 'bigs' and we need a point guard and we need a wing player," he said Monday. "We'll probably take the best player available." Welcome to the life of trying to fix a team that has grown accustomed to starting its summer vacation in the middle of the April. The Pacers have the 13th pick, and Bird said he thinks three of the four players he likes will be available. He didn't identify the players, other than ..."

Bird eyes four candidates in NBA draft

Comment

June 23

Indianapolis Star

"Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird said he has his eye on four players, and he believes three of them will be available when they pick No. 13 in Thursday night's draft. "You have to see what happens in front of you, usually there's some guys that slide, and there's some holes we have to fill," Bird said this afternoon. "We need bigs and we need a point guard and we need a wing player. We'll probably take the best player available." Pittsburgh DeJuan Blair, North Carolina's Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansbrough, VCU's Eric Maynor and Brandon Jennings, who played in Italy last season, are possible picks. Bird said he prefers toa player that spent three or four years in college."

Diener to return to Pacers

Comment

June 20

Indianapolis Star

"Backup point guard Travis Diener said today that he will return to the Indiana Pacers next season. Diener could have opted out of his contract and become a free agent. Instead, he will make $1.7 million next season.

"I like playing for coach (Jim) O'Brien," Diener said. "He has a system that fits my style, and I'm looking forward to returning to a team that is going in the right direction.""

Pacers to tip off preseason in Taipei

Comment

June 19

Indianapolis Star

"The Indiana Pacers will start next preseason overseas. The Pacers will play Denver in the first game in Taipei on Oct. 8. Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, will be the seventh Asian city to host an NBA game. "October 8th will be an historic day for the NBA and for the millions of basketball fans in Taiwan," NBA Greater China CEO Tim Chen said in a league release. ""

Granger's back in the gym

Comment

June 19

Indianapolis Star

"To no surprise, Danny Granger spent quite a bit of time in the gym this week. The Pacers All-Star wasn't in the gym working on isolation moves or defensive drills, two areas of his game he wants to improve on, though. He was going through instructional drills with about 50 kids at Park Tudor High School. This is the first year Granger has held a basketball camp in Indianapolis. He normally holds his camps in New Mexico, which he will continue to do. "I signed a long-term extension with the Pacers so I figured it was time to have one here," Granger said during a recent lunch break at Park Tudor. "I've always had roots in New Mexico, and I still will, but now that I will be here, I want to ..."

Jennings takes unusual path to NBA draft

Comment

June 19

Indianapolis Star

"Spend 15 minutes standing in the rain above and outside the Indiana Pacers' practice court at Conseco Fieldhouse, and what you see is the distilled essence of Brandon Jennings. There are moments when the young point guard looks like an emerging Tony Parker, a player with speed, flash, style and that unteachable something that leaves talent evaluators searching for the right adjectives. And then there are moments when Jennings, who bypassed college to spend a year playing pro in Italy, looks like all that style has left substance behind, when his decision making is beyond regrettable. Let's put it this way: While I don't know who the Pacers are going to take in next Thursday's NBA draft, ..."

Monday's workout and the soft side of DeJuan Blair -- update

Comment

June 17

Indianapolis Star

"The Pacers worked out their best group of players Monday. The marquee attraction was at point guard where North Carolina's Ty Lawson, UCLA's Jrue Holiday, Wake Forest's Jeff Teague and Florida State's Toney Douglas worked out. Pittsburgh's DeJuan Blair and Michigan State's Goran Suton were the big men the Pacers brought in. I hear (the media doesn't get to watch the workouts) Lawson looked the best of all the point guards because he has good court awareness and a natural feel for the position The knock against the former Tar Heel is his size. Lawson had a difficult time going against Holiday, who has four inches on him and is a superb athlete."

If he is available, Blair must be the guy

Comment

June 16

Indianapolis Star

"The Pacers need "mean.'' Not taking-candy-from-children mean or shooting-up-a-strip-joint-parking-lot mean, but mean, a guy with a bit of an angry edge and a Machiavellian will to dominate. Say hello to DeJuan Blair, the University of Pittsburgh forward who joined North Carolina's Ty Lawson, UCLA's Jrue Holiday, Wake Forest's Jeff Teague, Michigan State's Goran Suton and Florida State's Toney Douglas at the Pacers' predraft workout Monday at Conseco Fieldhouse. If he's still there when the Pacersat No. 13 nine days from now -- assuming, of course, they remain at No. 13 -- Blair is my pick. He may not have the prototypical power forward height at 6-61/2, but he's got the wingspan of a ..."

Vaden wants to join buddies in NBA

Comment

June 12

Indianapolis Star

"Robert Vaden and his Pike High School teammates had more on their mind than just steamrolling the competition en route to winning the 2003 Class 4A state championship. They were thinking about bigger and better things. The team's starting five went on to play NCAA Division I basketball. They had their sights set on the NBA. Courtney Lee made it. Vaden is auditioning for the chance. He and five others worked out for the Indiana Pacers on Thursday. "Everybody from Pike, we all talked about it," Vaden said. "It would be a good relief to be in the league with all my friends." Indy's Magnificent Seven - Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr., George Hill, Josh McRoberts, Eric Gordon, Rodney Carney and Lee ..."

Pacers to bring in Vaden for workout

Comment

June 11

Indianapolis Star

"Former Pike High School and Indiana University standout Robert Vaden is among the players who will be working out today at Conseco Fieldhouse for the Indiana Pacers as they prepare for the NBA draft. Other players include Tasheed Carr, St. Joseph's; Lee Cummard, BYU; B.J. Mullens, Ohio State; Luke Nevill, Utah; and Garret Siler, Augusta State."

Zeller back at fieldhouse, chasing his NBA dream

Comment

June 10

Indianapolis Star

"Luke Zeller was back in Conseco Fieldhouse Tuesday morning, back in the building where he hit one of the most famous shots in Indiana high school basketball history. His college career at Notre Dame complete, the former Washington High School star worked out for the Indiana Pacers, the first leg of a journey he hopes will take him to the NBA. "I grew up a Pacers fan, so for me to be in here and taking a step toward that dream is a dream come true," the 6-11 forward said, sweat soaking through his Pacers practice gear. "It's a long way from getting a jersey, but to be taking that first step toward that dream is exactly where I want to be in life. I'm loving every minute of it." A few ..."

Luke Zeller to work out with Pacers

Comment

June 8

Indianapolis Star

"Former Indiana Mr. Basketball Luke Zeller is one of four players scheduled to work out for the Indiana Pacers Tuesday. Zeller, a 6-11 power forward from Notre Dame, was the 2005 Indiana Mr. Basketball after hitting a half-court shot at the buzzer to lift Washington to the Class 3A state title. Zeller averaged 4.9 points and 2.8 rebounds as a senior for the Irish."

Despite poor economy, NBA will not eliminate luxury tax

Comment

June 5

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Although several teams have taken a hit financially, NBA Commissioner David Stern said Thursday the league has no plans to eliminate the luxury tax until the economy recovers. With his team's player payroll projected to exceed $76 million, Hornets owner George Shinn could have to pay a luxury tax bill of more than $5 million next summer. The Hornets were one of the 12 teams that received loans from the league this spring. Since 2003, 17 of the league's 30 teams have borrowed $2 billion since the league began establishing a line of credit for loans used by teams. "There's a difference between choosing to and having a need to," Stern said at state of his league address before Thursday's ..."

Pacers' Dunleavy has 'minor' hip procedure

Comment

June 5

Indianapolis Star

"Indiana Pacers guard Mike Dunleavy underwent a "minor" arthroscopic procedure on his left hip Thursday. The procedure, performed in Boston, was to clean up a "long-standing injury." The team said the surgery is not expected to affect Dunleavy's right knee rehabilitation."

For Pacers, the defense won't rest

Comment

June 1

Indianapolis Star

"Jim O'Brien and Larry Bird agree the Indiana Pacers have to drastically improve their defense to make the playoffs next year, but they differ on how to accomplish the task. O'Brien has said he would like to coach more athletic players. Bird, as team president, would like to see assistant coach Dick Harter have more input on the defensive plan, and has said so. Despite the back-and-forth on the subject since the season ended, one thing is certain: O'Brien also has great respect for the 78-year-old Harter, who has built a reputation as a defensive specialist since coming to the NBA in 1983. "Dick has the same impact that he had when he joined me with the (Boston) Celtics and we went from ..."

For Pacers, the defense won't rest

Comment

June 1

Indianapolis Star

"Jim O'Brien and Larry Bird agree the Indiana Pacers have to drastically improve their defense to make the playoffs next year, but they differ on how to accomplish the task. O'Brien has said he would like to coach more athletic players. Bird, as team president, would like to see assistant coach Dick Harter have more input on the defensive plan, and has said so. Despite the back-and-forth on the subject since the season ended, one thing is certain: O'Brien also has great respect for the 78-year-old Harter, who has built a reputation as a defensive specialist since coming to the NBA in 1983. "Dick has the same impact that he had when he joined me with the (Boston) Celtics and we went from ..."

Pacers to host draft party

Comment

May 28

Indianapolis Star

"Indiana Pacers fans are invited to an NBA draft party starting at 6 p.m. June 25 at Conseco Fieldhouse. Admission is free and the Virginia Avenue garage on the east side of the fieldhouse will offer free parking. Fans can watch the ESPN coverage of the draft on the arena's video boards and will hear from Pacers executives about the players the team selects. The draft coverage begins at 7 p.m., with the first pick expected at about 7:35 p.m."

Anon Lorbek and Barac

Comment

May 27

Indianapolis Star

"THE `BURG - Some of you have asked about Erazem Lorbek and Stanko Barac, who were drafted in the second round by the Pacers in 2005 and 2007, respectively. Lorbek averaged a career-high 14.6 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 60 percent from the field and 44 percent on 3-pointers in helping CSKA Moscow make the EuroLeague title game. "He can shoot from the elbow and he's a smart offensive player," Pacers director of scouting Joe Ash said. "He can play in the NBA." Lorbek is under contract with CSKA Moscow for another year. The Pacers will have to decide if they want to bring him over to the NBA after that. Barac didn't have as much luck as Lorbek this season. Barac, who played on the ..."

Pacers give players hope

Comment

May 22

Indianapolis Star

"Brett Winkelman and his teammates had a motto that helped them stay focused at North Dakota State University: "We worked hard every single day," he said, ". . . as long as we can." Winkelman, who worked out for the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, will have to stick with that motto if he expects to reach the NBA. "It's a little bit tough when you don't get invited to Portsmouth and the pre-draft camp and things like that," said Winkelman, who averaged 18.6 points and 7.5 rebounds last season. "I'm just coming out here and working out; this is my opportunity to display my skills and hopefully turn a few heads." Winkelman isn't the only person in a tough position. Of the 10 prospects the Pacers ..."

Day 1 of workouts ... and other issues

Comment

May 21

Indianapolis Star

columnist Mike Wells

"Aren't you glad you sat on your couch, biting your fingernails, tapping your feet anxiously waiting Tuesday night to see if the Pacers would get one of the top three picks in next month's draft? The Pacers, who have the 13th pick, held their first predraft workouts Wednesday. I had to do some research when I found out who they were bringing in because they aren't exactly household names. Alfred Aboya (UCLA), Jeff Adrien (Connecticut), Tyrell Biggs (Pittsburgh) and Tony Gaffney (Massachusetts) worked out.. I've seen Adrien, who is listed a very generous 6-7, being selected in the second round on several mock draft boards. I asked Biggs about his college teammate DeJuan Blair, who is a ..."

Tinsley hearing scheduled

Comment

May 20

Indianapolis Star

"An arbitration hearing is set for July 27 in New York in the grievance between point guard Jamaal Tinsley and the Indiana Pacers. The NBA Players Association filed a grievance on Tinsley's behalf in early February after the Pacers hadn't traded him and wouldn't buy out his contract or release him. An arbitrator will hear arguments from both parties and then take 30 to 45 days to issue a decision. The Pacers banished Tinsley from the team after the 2007-08 season. The team removed his nameplate from the locker room and shipped his belongings to Atlanta last summer. He didn't have a biography in the team's media guide this season despite still being on the roster. Tinsley's agent, Raymond ..."

Pacers to pick 13th in draft

Comment

May 20

Indianapolis Star

"As expected, the pingpong balls didn't bounce the Indiana Pacers' way in Secaucus, N.J., on Tuesday. The Pacers, who had less than a 1 percent chance of landing one of the top three picks, will have the No. 13 pick in the June 25 draft. Team president Larry Bird represented the franchise. The Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis and Oklahoma City will have the top three picks. The Grizzlies and Thunder moved up from sixth and fourth. Oklahoma's Blake Griffin, Spain's Ricky Rubio and Connecticut's Hasheem Thabeet are projected to be the first three picks. The Pacers, who have missed the playoffs three straight years, hope this year's 13th pick will be as good as last year's pick. The Pacers ..."

Arbitrator to hear Tinsley complaint against Pacers

Comment

May 19

Indianapolis Star

"An arbitration hearing has been set for July 27 in New York in the grievance case between point guard Jamaal Tinsley and the Indiana Pacers. The NBA Players Association filed a grievance on behalf of Tinsley in early February after the Pacers hadn¹t traded him yet and wouldn¹t buy out his contract or release him. An arbitrator will hear arguments from the Pacers and Tinsley's representatives and then take 30 to 45 days to issue a decision. The Pacers banished Tinsley from the team following the 2007-08 season."

Pacers staffer sues Tinsley over shooting

Comment

May 15

Indianapolis Star

"Indiana Pacer Jamaal Tinsley's rush for safety during a 2007 shooting left the team's equipment manager a sitting duck in the back of Tinsley's Rolls-Royce, a new lawsuit says. Trapped in the back seat, Joey Qatato suffered gunshots to both elbows as gunmen opened fire outside the Conrad hotel in Downtown Indianapolis. Qatato's lawsuit against Tinsley and the car's driver seeks to hold them responsible for his injuries. The suit says the back door's lock could only be controlled by the driver, and the men ignored Qatato's pleas as they fled into the hotel lobby. "They knew he was back there," said Greg Hahn, one of Qatato's attorneys. "It was basically every man for himself. He was banging ..."

Pacers equipment manager sues Tinsley

Comment

May 14

Indianapolis Star

"An Indiana Pacers equipment manager has filed a lawsuit seeking damages against player Jamaal Tinsley for injuries suffered in a shooting outside the Conrad Hotel in December 2007. Joey Qatato was in the backseat of Tinsley's Rolls Royce as his motorcade of three cars traveled from a Westside club toward Downtown Indianapolis after 3 a.m. Two vehicles followed, carrying men who police said had harassed Tinsley about his flashy cars and his wealth outside the club. Gunfire erupted as Tinsley's car -- driven by his cousin -- pulled up outside the Conrad Hotel. The lawsuit says Qatato was trapped in the back seat as Tinsley and the cousin, Mitchell H. Smith, sought cover inside the hotel ..."

Award just another step for Granger

Comment

May 13

Indianapolis Star

columnist Bob Kravitz

"Congratulations, Danny Granger. First, an All-Star. Now, the league's Most Improved Player. Next, lead the Indiana Pacers to the playoffs for the first time in four years. How does he lead them there? Easy. Become one of the league's best defenders. Take note that the five top MVP vote-getters (LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard and Chris Paul) all made the first or second All-Defensive teams. Accept the challenge of becoming the kind of star who not only scores lots of points, but leads his team on both ends of the floor. "I don't want to just get better; I want to be an elite player," Granger said Tuesday. "I've really patterned my defensive game after Ron Artest, but ..."

Pacers' Granger NBA's most improved, sets sights on playoffs

Comment

May 12

Indianapolis Star

"After being named the NBA's Most Improved Player today, Pacers forward Danny Granger said he's aiming for another title next year: Danny Granger, member of a playoff team. In talking about where he sees his improvement for the future, he talked mainly about the team. "We had so many opportunities to win so many games, and we came up a little bit short," Granger said this morning. "Next year, with myself and the other leaders on the team, we have to find ways to win those games. That's what I'd like to improve on the most." More coverage:Click here for team updates, blogs, photo galleries, schedules, stats and more. The first player in NBA history to raise his scoring average by five points ..."

NBA to honor Granger today

Comment

May 12

Indianapolis Star

"Indiana Pacers All-Star forward Danny Granger will cap off his stellar season today when he's named the NBA's Most Improved Player, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation. Granger will be the third Pacer to win the award, joining Jalen Rose (2000) and Jermaine O'Neal (2002). A team spokesman said they had no comment on the scheduled 11:30 a.m. news conference set for today at Conseco Fieldhouse. The league waited to announce the award until Granger returned from his two-week vacation to Italy. Granger, who signed a $60-million contract extension last October, finished fifth in the league in scoring at 25.8 points a game. He's the first player in league history to ..."

No Most Improved Trophy for New Jersey Nets' Devin Harris

Comment

May 11

Trenton Times

"The Indiana Pacers are calling a press conference for Tuesday morning, which can only mean one thing: Devin Harris is not going to get his trophy this summer. Danny Granger has pulled out a comeback in the Most Improved Award ballot, apparently squeaking by Harris in the tally, the Indianapolis Star is reporting. And the Pacers will make it official, having awaited Granger's return from Italy Monday. Harris, who had a career season -- averaging career highs of 21.3 points and 6.9 assists -- was the odds-on favorite for the award since his hot start in November."

People skills made Chuck Daly a dream to play for

Comment

May 11

Philadelphia Daily News

"THOSE WHO knew him well will tell you that Chuck Daly probably was as good with X's-and-O's as the next basketball coach. It wasn't his strongest trait, though. What made Daly one of the most revered coaches of his or any era was his uncanny knack for knowing what buttons to push to transform a disparate group of individuals into a cohesive unit. Daly, who was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Big 5 Hall of Fame in 2001, died of pancreatic cancer Saturday morning in Jupiter, Fla., at the age of 78. With the exception of a wretched half-season with the Cleveland Cavaliers as a rookie NBA head coach in 1981-82, Daly was a winner everywhere he went. And, ..."

Daly ends battle with cancer

Comment

May 10

Charlotte Observer

"Chuck Daly once described himself as "a journeyman coach who got lucky with some players in Detroit." He didn't really believe that, of course, but that was part of Daly's self-deprecating charm, his enduring appeal. He didn't need to act important all the time, or remind people with pithy slogans how much of a defensive innovator he was. Maybe that was because he didn't become a head coach in the NBA until he was 51, a champion with the Pistons until he was 58. He was a dues-payer and a lifer in the truest sense. In his final days, as pancreatic cancer stole this dapper 78-year-old's trademark vigor, he was surrounded by, among others, Billy Cunningham and Rollie Massimino, the ..."

'Bad Boys' coach won two titles

Comment

May 10

San Francisco Chronicle

"Chuck Daly, the Hall of Fame basketball coach who led the Detroit Pistons to back-to-back NBA titles, then the U.S. Dream Team to the 1992 Olympic gold medal, died Saturday in Jupiter, Fla. He was 78. Mr. Daly was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two months ago. In his honor, NBA coaches have worn "CD" pins during the postseason. Born in 1930 in St. Marys, Pa., Mr. Daly was a Depression baby, who used to tell a young Doug Collins, "I don't trust happiness." Mr. Daly's rise was as improbable as that of his Pistons, a widely-hated team that reveled in its nickname, "Bad Boys," as it unseated the Larry Bird Celtics and the Magic Johnson Lakers. He began humbly at Punxsutawney High School, in ..."

Team USA invites Granger

Comment

May 9

Indianapolis Star

"Danny Granger has been invited to participate in the USA Basketball training camp, which could lead to him playing in next year's World Championships and the 2012 Olympics. The camp is in late July in Las Vegas. He was first approached about the possibility in February during All-Star Weekend in Phoenix.

"I think that's the level everyone strives to get to," Granger told The Associated Press by telephone from Italy. "You want to win an NBA championship, of course, but I think to play in the Olympics is something really special. It comes around just once every four years, and it's a special opportunity.""

Pacers Sports and Entertainment lays off 23

Comment

May 9

Indianapolis Star

"Pacers Sports and Entertainment confirmed today it laid off 23 employees. "We're like most other businesses facing tough challenges," said Greg Schenkel, the company's vice president of corporate and public relations. "We're disappointed that these cuts were necessary."

Schenkel said the company has reduced its staff by 28 percent since 2001."

Pacers' Granger wants to become one of NBA's top defenders

Comment

May 8

Indianapolis Star

"As Danny Granger vacations in Italy, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are marching toward a possible dream matchup in the NBA Finals. Granger proved he could go basket-to-basket with those two this season. Now the Indiana Pacers' All-Star forward needs to prove he can defend at the same level, or his vacation next year might start just as early as this one. Granger finished fifth in the league in scoring (25.8 ppg). His defense fell off as quickly as his offensive game took off, and the Pacers missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season. "Danny will get better," Pacers president Larry Bird said. "He'll do what it takes to get better. Danny plays with a chip on his shoulder. The one ..."

Former Pacers coach Rick Carlisle loosens reins in Dallas, and the Mavericks blossom

Comment

May 2

Indianapolis Star

"Rick Carlisle did what many thought he couldn't: change. The biggest adjustment, something his former Indiana Pacers players ached for several years ago, came in late January. Carlisle, now coaching Dallas, folded up his trusty blue card filled with set plays, tucked it inside his tailored suit and put his confidence in the hands of his point guard. Carlisle quit micromanaging. He let go. Jason Kidd, a future Hall of Famer, now runs the show. Kidd, Carlisle and the Mavericks ran all the way to a 50-32 record and first-round blitz of third-seeded San Antonio in the playoffs. Dallas plays Denver in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Sunday. "Night and day," Mavericks owner Mark ..."

Pacers' search for talent to focus on PG, PF

Comment

April 28

Indianapolis Star

"The NBA draft is two months away, but it's never too early to start talking about potential picks by the lottery-bound Indiana Pacers. Coach Jim O'Brien recently said the team has three goals during the June 25 draft: » Get more athletic in the post. » Get a "young Jeff Foster who also can score in the low post." » Find a big point guard. "We're very happy with the guys that played the point for us this year,'' O'Brien said. "But down the road, it would be nice to maybe have a young point guard we can draft if (president) Larry (Bird) determines that we can bring one along over a period of a couple of years," O'Brien said. O'Brien might have to wait; Bird said most of the point guards in ..."

Lame-duck coach? Larry doesn't mind

Comment

April 22

Indianapolis Star

"It wasn't big news to learn Tuesday that Larry Bird isn't the least bit concerned with having his contract extended over the long term. What was news is that a few days after team co-owner Herb Simon sounded lukewarm about extending the contract of coach Jim O'Brien, Bird was just as tepid about the idea of tying up his coach beyond a deal that ends next season. Hmmmmm. "When I coached, I went my last year without a deal," team president Bird said at his annual postmortem news conference. "It really didn't matter. Some people, it might affect different than others. But (O'Brien is) under contract and we expect him to fulfill his contract." Look at it like this: O'Brien isn't in any ..."

Pacers News