Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird is stepping down, according to a report from NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski. Per the report, general manager Kevin Pritchard will take over in his place.
The news comes just a few days after the team was swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
The longtime Boston Celtics great has been part of the Pacers’ front office on and off for the better part of two decades. The Indiana native coached the club from 1997-2000, and then served as president from 2003–2012 before stepping away for a year. He returned to the position in 2013, and will now reportedly remain with the team in a lesser role.
This is an interesting time in Indiana, as the 42-40 team has plenty of question marks this off-season and could go in two very different directions. One of the biggest questions involves star Paul George, who can opt be a free agent in the summer of 2018 and hasn’t clearly expressed his desire to stay with the Pacers. Trade rumours have been circulating recently, with Bird’s departure only thickening the plot.
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