Bird: Expect changes in Pacers next year
Posted: Wednesday June 10, 1998 12:10 PM
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Bird feels that after a year in his system, the Pacers will be ready to start strong next season (AP) |
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Larry Bird, the NBA coach of the year, says he learned
a lot during his rookie season with the Indiana Pacers and
expects to make some changes in hopes of getting even farther into the
playoffs next near.
The Pacers went 58-24 during the regular season and reached Game 7 of the
Eastern Conference finals, losing to the Chicago Bulls.
"We're definitely going to make some changes on the offensive end," Bird
told The Indianapolis Star in a story published Wednesday.
"One thing we need to do is try to get the ball to certain players in
different areas where they can maneuver better and have more freedom. Our
defense will basically stay the same."
The year under his belt will help him be a better coach, he said.
"I know my players better now and how they react in big games," Bird said.
"I know they believe me when I tell them some things, so I have to be more
direct with them. I'm going to expect a lot more out of them. I'll try to
get them to believe in themselves a little earlier [in the season] and to
play with more confidence. ... Everybody can improve."
Bird was asked several times during the season if coaching was fun, but he
always said it was "interesting" and "different."
"I learned about being the leader of a team. But it's never enjoyable until
you win it all," he told The Star.
As for how long he intends to coach, he said, "I'll do it like this year.
I'll go talk to the guys, and if they want me to come back I'll come back.
If not I'll go do something else. I want the guys to be honest with me.
Their careers are at stake here.
"If they want me to help lead them where they want to go it's fine. But I
didn't get in this because I need the money or I want my name in the paper.
I did it because I feel I can get these guys to win a championship."
After the Pacers lost to the Bulls, the players were unanimous in wanting
Bird back.
"If they tell me they want me back, now they're in my hands," he said. "I
expect them to do everything I tell them to do, even better than they did
it this year."
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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