All it takes is a team threat, a losing season and press conference by a living legend and the Indiana Pacers are finally back on the front pages again.

After several months spent in the purgatory of a losing season in the doldrums of Winter, the Pacers have sprung back into the public's mind this week as the 32-50 season ended, the team threatened to move to another city and then Larry Bird held a press conference yesterday to let everyone know that everything is just fine in PacerLand. It was the typical Frank Drebin "Nothing to see here" approach that Bird has taken for the past year. If you missed the press conference, Tom did a great job of summarizing the main points here.

I was particularly happy with Bird calling out Brandon Rush. After praising the work ethic of Danny Granger as the epitome of summer work ethic, Bird immediately turned to Rush and criticized him as someone who has a lot of work to do and someone they have to keep an eye on to make sure he does it.

I also enjoyed Indy Star columnist Bob Kravitz mentioning Shawne Williams twice (Kravitz may have a Ray Finkle-esque room set aside in his house for his anti-Shawne Williams memorabilia) and that Bird recognized this team would never contend anywhere without another Granger or two.

Well the Pacers are relevant again in Indianapolis at least for today. Lots of links after the jump.

• Our Cornrows leader Tom Lewis appeared on The Mark Patrick Show on WNDE 1260 Thursday afternoon. Here's a link to the podcast page where the audio link is saved. Listen to Tom talk everything Pacers.
• Larry Bird keeps coach Jim O'Brien, remains committed to rebuilding team
  Indy Sports Nation covers Bird's big press conference yesterday.
• Bird backs O'Brien, says rebuilding project on track
  Bruno offers his takes on Bird's commitment to O'Brien, his young players and the "plan" that will get this team back into the playoffs.
• CIB might take over Conseco Fieldhouse
  Some news off the front page of the Indy Star this morning regarding the CIB potentially taking up the Pacers offer of taking over the financing of the Fieldhouse.
• Unfortunately, next year's team to look a lot like this year's team
  Indy Star columnist Bob Kravitz looks into the crystal ball and sees next year as Pete and Repeat from this year's squad. 
• Bird sticking with O'Brien, says rebuilding on track
  Mike Wells gives us his recap of Bird's press conference.
• Top priority: Find a point guard
  The Pacers are discount shopping for a point guard this summer, at least that much is clear after the season ended, according to the Indy Star.
• Bird's season-ending presser
  Mike Wells blogs all about what Bird said ranging from Hansbrough to Brandon Rush.
  
• PACERS: Tyler Hansbrough medical update
  The Pacers sent out this short and sweet update on Tyler Hansbrough's inner ear infection and concussion, and doctors are expecting a full recovery from these ailments very soon.
• Larry Bird: Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon hasn't indicated team move
  The Associated Press jumped all over Bird's comments about never hearing Herb Simon threaten to move the team to another city.
• Pacers rebuild continues
  WISH-TV joins the fun with some coverage at Conseco "Reggie Miller" Fieldhouse.