Larry Bird takes in Indiana Pacers pre-draft workout on Friday
The Indiana Pacers hosted their first pre-draft workout of the 2023 NBA Draft cycle on Friday, and there was a legendary face in attendance: Larry Bird.
Bird, 66, has held many roles with the Pacers franchise in the past. From 1997-2000, he was the head coach of the team, guiding them to their only NBA Finals. In 2003, he was brought back to the organization to be the President of Basketball Operations, a role he held until 2012 when he stepped away for health reasons. But he returned a year later to the same role and held it until 2017, when he again stepped away and Kevin Pritchard took over.
Since then, Bird has been around the franchise in an advisory role. In the past, he was seen at various practices and workouts, but more recently, he has not been around as much. Last July, Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files reported that Bird no longer had an active role with the Pacers franchise.
But on Friday, there he was, sitting on the bench watching a Pacers pre-draft workout with the team's front office. He was sitting on the North end of the court between head coach Rick Carlisle and assistant general manager Kelly Krauskopf.
"Larry Legend man, incredible. Basketball royalty. It's just incredible. No words," draft prospect and former UCLA forward Jaime Jaquez Jr said of Bird being present at the workout. Jaquez Jr added that he instantly tried to forget that Bird was watching so he wouldn't feel as pressured.
Bird coached the Pacers to their only NBA Finals appearance in 2000 and played a significant part in building the last two Indiana squads that reached the Eastern Conference Finals. He was born in Indiana and played college basketball at Indiana State.
"Trying not to let anything distract me. Obviously, you see Larry Bird on the sideline and it grabs your attention," Andre Jackson Jr, a prospect from Connecticut, said through a smile. "At the same time, you've got a game," he added, noting that he had to focus and try to feel present.
The draft workout concluded in the early afternoon, with Bird and most of the front office clearing the court at about 1:20 pm. The Pacers have a very important draft ahead with five total picks, including three in the first round. It is unlikely Indiana makes five selections, but knowing as much as possible about every prospect is vital. Having someone like Bird, with years of front office experience, providing insight will be a boon.
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