Larry Bird is no doubt burning up the phone lines, with the annual NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching Feb.18.
Chances are he is indeed trying to improve this team, but does any other team in the NBA really want what he can offer?
In my humble opinion, no.
With no player on this team being untouchable, one might think Bird is also getting some calls, but a closer look at this current roster would indicate differently, as this group continues to underachieve with lackluster defensive efforts and in many cases, collectively ignoring a head coach with a resume that commands both respect and effort each night. But then again, why should a professional athlete need any impetus to play hard and leave it all on the floor all night? (More on that in a moment.)
The Pacers have evidently received some inquiries about forward Troy Murphy, who when healthy, has shown the ability to rebound the basketball and provide a better than average touch from the perimeter in terms of hoisting three pointers.
According to Pacer beat writer Michael Wells, the club has asked the Cleveland Cavaliers for veteran center Zydrunas Ilgauskus, J.J. Hickson and a No. 1 draft pick for Murphy. I assume the only reason Cavaliers’ general manager, Danny Ferry, did not hang up on Bird when that proposal was presented is his respect for Larry Legend, but if the Pacers are serious about moving Murphy then they have to be realistic in terms of what he is truly worth. Why would Cleveland include a promising young player such as Hickson, or for that matter, include a coveted No. 1 pick? Answer: They will not.
While many will say players such as Danny Granger, Roy Hibbert, and Brandon Rush are the future of the franchise and cannot be traded, I simply scoff at that nonsense. The Pacers must examine all options and be willing to pull the trigger on any move that gives them more flexibility with the salary cap and brings athleticism to the floor for them. If my memory serves me correctly, both the late Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were traded in their respective primes, so I do think the Pacers can somehow find a way to part with some of the pieces of this dysfunctional puzzle that is clearly not working. Go for it Larry, we are with you on this one, and if nothing else, make it your final stand. Fall on the sword in the name of Pacer Pride.
Notes: Coach Jim O’Brien, in my opinion, has done a very good job working with this group of players. While it appears to me that certain players are not always giving their all each night, the blame certainly cannot be placed on O’Brien.
He has stressed from day one an aggressive defensive posture and an up tempo offensive approach, one that features the three point shot.
While he has been frustrated with the effort of this team, he has remained steadfast in his philosophy and been a consummate professional with the media and the fans.
While his pedigree is old school, that is exactly what is needed.
Many will argue that a coaching change needs to be made, but I say O’Brien is the exact type of guy this franchise needs moving forward and as a result, he certainly deserved a better, more lengthy extension than the Pacers gave him before the season.
The Pacers hit the road to play games at New Orleans (Feb. 19), Houston (Feb. 20), Dallas (Feb. 22), and Chicago (Feb. 24).
All the games will be televised and can be seen on Fox Sports Indiana. The Pacers return home on Feb. 25 to face the Milwaukee Bucks at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available.
Danny Bridges, who feels this team’s failure to make the playoffs is totally unacceptable and an embarrassment to both the players and the fans, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or Bridgeshd@aol.com.
