[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8096936/report-larry-bird-step-indiana-pacers-president

NDIANAPOLIS — David Morway has resigned as general manager of the Indiana Pacers amid reports that Larry Bird is on the way out, too.

Morway was hired by the Pacers in 1999 and had been GM since 2008. The Indianapolis Star reported Tuesday that Bird is expected to leave the Pacers, citing an unidentified person with direct knowledge of the situation.

Last month, Bird told The Associated Press, he’d stay put as the Pacers team president for a few more years — if that’s what team owner Herb Simon wants.

The New York Daily News, citing unnamed sources, reported Monday that Donnie Walsh, 71, will rejoin the Pacers and lead the team’s effort to sign free agents. Walsh, the longtime GM and CEO of the Pacers, has been working as a consultant with the Knicks after serving as New York’s president and general manager from 2008-11.

"I’d do it today if Herbie was here," Bird said last month, drawing laughter. "We’ve got kids working out, we’ve got six free agents, we’ve got a lot going on right now. Obviously, I want to sit down with Herb as quickly as possible. I don’t like this (questions) at all. I’d like a three-year deal, but we have a handshake agreement. It’s hard coming in here and not having the answers."

The Pacers and owner Herb Simon declined comment.

The 55-year-old Bird was Pacers coach from 1997-2000, returning to the front office in 2003. He took over from Walsh in 2008 as president of basketball operations and was this season’s NBA Executive of the Year after building a tough, young team that lost to eventual champion Miami.

The former Indiana State star won three MVP awards and three NBA titles during his Hall of Fame career with Boston.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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[Jason_GrayParticipant]

Whomever repalaces Bird will have big shoes to fill. He drafted Granger, George, got George Hill who eventually took over the starting job for them, Hibbert, etc. Built a playoff team with draft picks and trades. They are competitive and probably 1 or 2 soild pieces away from being a contender. If Paul George lives up to his potential they’ll be top 3 in the east… Plus him keeping Frank was a great decision…

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