Larry Bird has unveiled his 15 year rebuilding plan

by aaronb on Feb 11, 2010 2:33 PM EST

Cliff Brunt reports on Larry Bird's comments regarding his rebuilding plan, the struggles of the team this year and Jim O'Brien.

"We knew that we had to clean it out and rebuild it, and we knew we were going to go through some tough times," Bird told The Associated Press this week. "Nobody likes to lose, and everybody wants to be a part of a winner. We think we're on the right track to get there."

Bird also took the pressure off coach Jim O'Brien, who is in his third year after back-to-back 36-46 seasons. O'Brien signed a one-year extension last September to coach through the end of next season, and Bird said he is in no danger of being replaced.

"The one thing Jimmy bought into when he came here was that we were going to rebuild, and we were going to struggle at times," Bird said. "I always say the losses are on me because I want him to work these guys hard, develop the young guys we have and keep moving forward with what we have."

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Thanks Larry.

Glad you clued us in to your grand plan of sitting back and waiting for cap space. I’m sure this will work out spectacularly. No really, I trust you. I’m sure there’s a reason your long term plan necessitated the drafting of players like Brandon Rush and Tyler Hansbrough. And if you don’t like the fact that the players are standing around and settling for jump shots all day you’ve definitely got the right guy coaching the team. Nobody preaches taking the ball to the rack like JOB.

by ThirtyOne on Feb 11, 2010 3:05 PM EST reply actions

Larry's quotes there are priceless

“We have guys who stand around a little too much. When we drive to the basket and get layups our offense is much more effective.”

ya don’t say?

" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "

by aaronb on Feb 11, 2010 3:17 PM EST up reply actions

WTF

Apparently there aren’t enough empty seats around him for home games.

I never through I would rather have Danny Ainge than Larry Bird, this is a Damn shame.

by Man of Pace on Feb 11, 2010 4:34 PM EST reply actions

Wow. So misguided.

As I’ve stated many times, the Pacers will NEVER sign a real big-time free agent because they’re in Indiana. No one wants to come play in Indiana.

Jesus, will someone please get Basketball Jesus out of here already?

by SethGrandpa on Feb 11, 2010 4:39 PM EST reply actions

another thing

If “THE LEGEND” is this okay with losing .maybe JOB is too ….. stuff runs down hill ….
no wonder plaers are standing around and not playing defense……

by Man of Pace on Feb 11, 2010 4:56 PM EST reply actions

Thats the thing that bugs me too. Bird basically said he knows we won’t win any time soon. That doesn’t sit well with me and I’m sure doesn’t sit well with Pacers fans. It’s kind of redundant to tell the public to hold tight then in the same breath say there is zero chance of winning.

by jantz101 on Feb 11, 2010 11:04 PM EST up reply actions

HOLY.......

“place any expletive you like here” We are doomed to failure sigh . I am very disappointed with this crap as assessment by Bird. ARGHHHHH DAMNNNNNN. sigh

Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work.
-Thomas Edison

by W.Diesel on Feb 11, 2010 8:02 PM EST reply actions

I wish...

I could get paid big money like Bird and JOB, lose all the time, and still keep my job.

by Slick4President on Feb 11, 2010 11:16 PM EST reply actions

I legitimately think this team would be better off if Bill Simmons was the GM.

sigh

by SethGrandpa on Feb 12, 2010 3:01 AM EST reply actions

I wouldn’t disagree at all with this statement. Although his hatred for the Colts would rub Indianapolis the wrong way.

by ThirtyOne on Feb 12, 2010 7:15 AM EST up reply actions

Oh he's so biased...I hated that article and I'm a Broncos fan.

by SethGrandpa on Feb 12, 2010 4:19 PM EST up reply actions

Start the campaign!!

Would Bird still be president though? I feel like Simmons would bow to the Basketball Jesus and never contradict him. But that would be sweet.

by TheHawk5 on Feb 12, 2010 9:06 AM EST up reply actions

i think simmons is an idiot

but i doubt he is a bigger idiot than bird and job

by dbcb on Feb 13, 2010 11:25 PM EST up reply actions

Give it time

I know I’m sick of saying that as well, but give Larry some time!! You have to be bad for a couple of years before you can be a legit playoff team, look at the Blazers for instance. Once we can land some lottery picks, and grab that one piece (free agent) that’s missing. We’ll be ok! And what do you mean NO ONE would come to play in Indiana?!? Do you not forget (before the night Indy stood still with the brawl in Detriot) we were loaded with talented, ALL-STAR players!! We just don’t have the money to attract any of the stars right now! Once we can get the $ off the books, we’ll have more options. And as I recall, a certain QB said he would love to come to Indy when we were tryin to decide between Manning or Leaf! Just be patient, we’ll have the $ to do something soon!

by BringbackReggie#31 on Feb 15, 2010 10:59 AM EST reply actions

They could have gotten the money off the books 3-4 years ago.. Not next year.
We’ve had lottery picks. Johnathon Bender ring a bell? Hansbrough and Brandon Rush aren’t the best picks either. The only time we’ve had a good selection recently was Granger, and that wasn’t even lotto. God only knows that if we land the first pick, we’re not taking Wall.. We’re taking Cole Aldrich _

by Ryan Berger on Feb 16, 2010 3:32 AM EST reply actions