Owner: Bird will Stay with the Pacers

Indiana-Pacers-wallpaperNBA.com is reporting that Larry Bird will remain the President of Basketball Operations for the Indiana Pacers after some speculation that he may not return to the team. From the story:

"“I’m quite pleased with the success we experienced this past season and pleased with the direction our team is going,” said [Indiana Pacers owner Herb] Simon. “I’m glad Larry is staying to help us continue in the positive direction we are going.”

The Pacers made the playoffs this year for the first time since the 2005-06 season and feature a strong group of young players like Danny Granger, Roy Hibbert, Tyler Hansbrough, Darren Collison, and Paul George. The team is also set to make a splash in free agency this offseason, with over $30 million in salaries coming off their books.