Walsh is leaving the franchise at the end of this season and Larry
Bird will continue to lead the basketball side of the franchise as
President of Basketball Operations.
In making the announcement, Pacers co-owner Herb Simon said, "I've
enjoyed working with Donnie Walsh for 24 years and I've gained
enormous respect for him as a basketball man and as a person. He ran
this franchise with tremendous integrity and honesty and is regarded
as one of the very best in the NBA. Larry could not have had a better
mentor to prepare him for the work that needs to be done to restore
this franchise to the elite level."
Walsh came to the franchise as an assistant coach in 1984, became
general manager in 1986 and has served as president since 1988. In his
22 years of overseeing the franchise, the Pacers won three Central
Division Championships and made the NBA Playoffs 17 times with six
trips to the Eastern Conference Finals and one trip to the NBA Finals
(2000).
"I made it clear from the beginning of the season this would be my
last year," said Walsh. "When I accepted this part of the job 22 years
ago it was my dream job and it has lived up to it in every way. There
are no finer owners in the NBA than Mel and Herb Simon. They have been
friends and supporters throughout. I've also been privileged to work
with some of the finest coaches and players in basketball as well as a
front office that made us a model franchise. I want to thank the fans
for their great support over the years and the people of Indianapolis
and Indiana for welcoming my family and me the way they did."
"I've talked Donnie into staying for two years after he thought it was
time to leave. Now, with my blessings, I wish him the best in whatever
new challenges he takes on," Simon said and added, "we couldn't be
more enthused about Larry's passion for the game, his understanding of
what our fans want and his experience as a player, coach and
president."
"I have worked with Larry Bird, both as a coach and as President of
Basketball Operations and I have full confidence he will restore this
franchise to the elite level," said Walsh. "While everyone knows about
Larry's great playing and coaching career, I've found him to be a
great friend and co-worker. I have every confidence in his abilities."
In describing his experience with Walsh, Bird said, "I couldn't have
had a better teacher and coach. He's a basketball genius and one of
the best executives in the NBA. What I've learned from him, combined
with my own experiences, will serve the franchise well going forward."
Walsh added, "Indianapolis is a great place and it has been a great
place for my family to live. We will continue to have our family home
here, no matter what my future holds. As for my future, I will look at
the options and when I'm clear as to what I will do, I will make a
statement."
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