LeBron James no-showed in a critical Game 5 last night, as the Boston Celtics ran over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland. This one made me think of the Alex Rodriguez coming up small in so many mid-aughts playoff performances for the New York Yankees. If the Cavs have an earlier than expected exit from the playoffs, just add them to the list of teams that should create a little offseason turmoil. Of course, the series isn't over so LeBron may get some quick redemption on Thursday.

A variety of links today, including Chad Ford chatting about the Pacers' offseason considerations, and things falling in place for a CIB deal for the Pacers to give up non-basketball control of Conseco Fieldhouse, or I guess I should say, CNO Financial Fieldhouse.

• Chat: Chat with Chad Ford - SportsNation - ESPN
  Chad Ford had a couple of interesting comments about the Pacers in his chat yesterday. For one, they're in the mix for Devin Harris if the Nets land John Wall. Also, he advises trading down and looking at a point guard prospect, namely Avery Bradley from Texas.
• Pacers decide to try Granger for luck
  Mike Wells reports on Danny Granger attending the NBA draft lottery.
• CIB, Pacers dancing toward a deal
  Anthony Schoettle applies a little logic to the CIB's response to the impact report and feels a deal brewing for the city to take over the Fieldhouse.
• CIB needs to stand up to Pacers, at least a little
  Bob Kravitz wants the CIB to make the Pacers sweat a little more before making a deal. Haven't they already done that?
• City vows to keep 6 libraries' doors open
  Mayor Greg Ballard committed to keeping open 6 libraries for another year in hopes of finding a permanent funding solution, The libraries have been juxtaposed against the Fieldhouse funding issues with the CIB which is a simple-minded yet apples-to-oranges comparison, so at least we won't have to hear about it anymore. More importantly, keeping the libraries open is great news for those they service.
• Shareholders overwhelmingly approve Conseco name change
  J.K. Wall reports that Conseco is now CNO Financial so the Fieldhouse is also due for a name change.
• Auditing the Indiana Pacers 09-10 Season
  Christopher Reina takes stock of the Pacers' past season and looks ahead to the 10-11 season.