IC Cold Links: Pacers Downplay Rumors So Far; McRoberts Looking For Playing Time

Mike Wells is working on reactions from the Pacers to the noisy headline out of New York yesterday. So far, Herb Simon has offered a bland, business as usual comment.

Bird didn't return a phone message Sunday, but owner Herb Simon wrote in an email that he's working under the impression that Bird will be here beyond this season because his president hasn't mentioned anything to him about leaving.

So what will we learn today? I figure we'll hear clarifications and denials from players, coaches and most importantly Larry  Bird himself or we'll hear absolutely nothing, which won't help stop the speculation but will be a passive-aggressive way for Bird to say (through his silence), "It's just Vecsey."

After the jump, a few more links of interest including a look at Josh McRoberts and the opportunities he's found in the preseason. Plus, we check in on a couple of local legends.

• Pacers McRoberts makes progress
  Mike Wells reports on Josh McRoberts and his quest for playing time with the Pacers. Aside from his development as a player, a big thing in Mac's favor is that he shows up ready to play every day. Opportunity through attrition is still opportunity. Just ask Wally Pipp.
• Can Danny Granger and the young Indiana Pacers make the playoffs?
  HoopsVibe previews the Pacers upcoming season and doesn't see the playoffs in the team's immediate future.
• Check out 1070 The Fan's podcasts for audio links to interviews with Troy Murphy and Roy Hibbert on Kravitz & Eddie as well as Mark Boyle with Dan Dakich.
• Artest getting help to deal with troubles
  Jeff Eisenberg reports on Ron Artest seeking help from a psychologist to help him deal with his emotional fluctuations on the court. This is news? I thought everyone in L.A. had a therapist.
• Oden has 16 in Blazers' 98-96 victory over Nuggets
  Greg Oden finished strong last night for the Blazers continuing a solid preseason for the former Lawrence North star.
• Lakers' bench holds off Clippers in 114-108 win
  North Central grad, Eric Gordon had that sugar sweet stroke going last night, but his Clippers fell to the Lakers in a preseason Los Angeles battle.