IC Cold Links: Jack Jumpin' The Border, Pacers Looking Ahead

With the general assumption that the Pacers will not match the Toronto Raptors' generous offer for Jarrett Jack, the Pacers have to finish the summer filling out their roster.

Just how they fill out the roster should make for an interesting few weeks ahead. Do they add some short-term help at point guard or lean on A.J. Price and Travis Diener to back up T.J. Ford? Please keep in mind that, barring a trade, Ford was going to head into this season as the preferred starter at point guard, even if Jack was re-signed. I appreciate the way Ford ended the season last year and attacked his role off the bench. He should certainly be energized heading into this season knowing the show is his to run.

At this point, only Ford's production on the court will allay my concerns that he can stay healthy and consistently guide the Pacers in the right direction. But that's why I love watching the games, to see what will happen next.

Here are some links of interest from both sides of the border:

• Pacers' youngsters enjoy successful summer
  Mike Wells breaks down the summer league success of Tyler Hansbrough, Roy Hibbert and A.J. Price.
• Pacers putting it together, piece by piece
  Bob Kravitz gets on board with the Pacers' rebuilding plan, although I have a couple of quibbles. It started two years ago but took until moving JO's salary to show some progress. Also, the summer of 2011 is when the team is currently slated to have excess cap space.
• Raptors jump at chance to bring in Jarrett Jack - The Toronto Star
  Doug Smith reports on how adding Jarrett Jack could impact the remaining summer plans for the Toronto Raptors.
• Raptors hope guard provides fringe benefits - The Globe and Mail
  Michael Grange reports on the Raptors' effort to add Jarrett Jack to their roster.
• 'Til It's Over: Hansbrough, Hibbert give Pacers glimpse of future
  Craig Pearson offers his thoughts on Roy Hibbert and Tyler Hansbrough as part of the Pacers' future.
• PBN report from Vegas
  Chris Tomasson reports on player news coming out of Vegas including Jarrett Jack.