Donnie Walsh Takes Job With Indiana Pacers, Larry Bird On Way Out

Former Knicks president Donnie Walsh was the Indiana CEO for years and now he’s back with the Pacers, this time as, well that much isn’t clear. He may be up for the spot as team president, a job about to be vacated by Larry Bird.

Walsh was CEO of the Pacers for 24 years and the New York Daily News reports that in his new role he’ll be responsible for helping the Pacers in their efforts to land free agents starting when the period opens Sunday, though his official title has not been released.

Donnie Walsh is close with Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon and has attended some workouts. Walsh served as president of basketball operations of the New York Knicks from 2008 until near the end of this third season. He was officially a Knicks’ consultant last season but in practice exerted no influence. Officially, the two sides explained Walsh’s departure by saying he refused to agree to a multi-year deal.

The Pacers’ front office is one in flux. TheIndianapolis Star reports that team president and NBA icon Bird will step down as team president, creating the possibility Walsh could fill that position. Kevin Pritchard, the team’s director of player personnel, will likely be the team’s new general manager, and former general manager David Morway is no longer with the team.

Bird’s departure will end the semi-annual speculation that his time with the Pacers would end, as he and Simon operated under a yearly handshake agreement since Bird was not interested in a long-term commitment. Terms of the Pacers’ deal with Donnie Walsh were not released.

(Photo courtesy of the Associated Press)