I wrote the other day that many players and NBA executives were having difficulty embracing the new NCAA rule that is making student-athletes declare for the NBA Draft a month earlier than usual this year. The less time for players to make conclusive decisions (along with the prospect of a lockout next summer) is causing a lot of congestion in the draft database. Some see it as being less time to evaluate more players and, therefore, teams will make less informed decisions in late-June.
But, Bruno found us somebody who is quite happy with the new rule -- Indiana Pacers team president Larry Bird.
Bruno spoke to Bird about the topic in his latest NBA FanVoice blog post. The rule, which requires college players to declare their eligibility by 5 p.m. today, has been criticized, but Bird isn't buying it. Bird told Bruno the following:
"Everybody's opinions are different on it. I like it because you find out who's in and who's out right away. Then you can get down to your business. You don't have a lot of time to bring these guys in but at the 10th pick we'll be able to see everybody we want to see. I know people are complaining about it but that's just me. If you bring in 15 guys and 10 of them go back and pull out of the draft, you're wasting your time. I want to know who's in and who's out."
The NBA pre-draft camp will be in Chicago from May 19-21, while the Pacers are expected to win the NBA Lottery on May 18th (go ahead and rub that Reggie Miller bobblehead for good luck).
More links after the jump.
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Pacers' Bird calls Hayward an 'interesting prospect'
The IndyStar reports on Larry Bird's thoughts about Butler's Gordon Hayward declaring for the NBA Draft. -
A Tale of Two Offenses: Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic
Eight Points, Nine Seconds' Tim Donahue tackles the stats and analysis behind Jim O'Brien's offense in Indiana and how it doesn't compare to that of the Magic. -
What’s The Deal With Brandon Rush?
Always Miller Time is curious as to why Brandon Rush isn't as good as he should be on the basketball court. -
Hayward leaves Butler early to realize his dream
Reactions from Hayward's press conference yesterday from the IndyStar. -
With NBA's deadline today, Moore to return to Purdue, while Johnson's status unknown
In other local college news, Purdue's E'Twaun Moore is returning to school next season, but JaJuan Johnson is still undecided on his status. -
No politicking, just playing
It's Indiana Fever season! Contain your excitement people! The team opened its exhibition season last night. -
LeBron, Cavaliers hand Celtics worst home playoff loss
The Cavs outdid a record previously held by the Pacers last night. Cleveland handed the Celtics a 29-point home loss, exceeding the 27-point home loss that the blue and gold slammed Boston with five years ago. Oh, what memories. -
Dragic, Suns' bench eclipse San Antonio
Great game last night in a Suns' win against the Spurs. Goran Dragic went crazy in the fourth quarter and dropped 23 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter. It was a great way to represent the history of May 7th, which featured Michael Jordan's shot against Cleveland, and a certain Reggie Miller dropping eight points in 8.9 seconds against the Knicks.