Jeff Foster formally announced his retirement on Monday. Foster learned last week that he would need back surgery.

Foster played his entire 13-year career with the Pacers.

“Playing for one organization is great, it’s something he’ll remember for the rest of his life,” Larry Bird said.

Foster was a rookie when Indiana reached the Finals in 2000.

“I fought with the decision at the beginning of the year whether to end on last year’s note or come back,” Foster said. “I need to get fixed what’s wrong ... hopefully there are no problems in the long term.” 

The Indiana Pacers have signed Kyrylo Fesenko to a contract.

Fesenko played for the Jazz over the last four seasons, including some time with the Utah Flash of the D-League. 

A source close to the situation asserts that Larry Bird will not return as president of the Pacers.

“He has definitely decided not to return,” said a source.

Bird gave owner Herb Simon a handshake promise last summer that he would consider returning for the 12-13 season, but that has been ruled out.

Kyrylo Fesenko will sign with the Pacers for the remainder of the season, according to sources.

Fesenko and the Warriors mutually cancelled an agreement they reached in December on a one-year deal because he was still rehabbing from an offseason knee surgery.

Fesenko also received strong interest from the Mavericks and Celtics.

Greg Oden is committed to playing basketball again, his agent Mike Conley Sr. confirmed. Oden was waived by the Blazers on Thursday.

Oden recently underwent his third microfracture knee surgery and his second on his left knee.

Oden briefly considered retirement, but is focused on rehabbing in Indianapolis.

Conley says Oden has expressed interest in playing for the Pacers when he recovers.

The Raptors have traded Leandro Barbosa to the Pacers, according to a source.

Toronto will receive a second round pick in return, according to a source that spoke with David Aldridge.

Because the Pacers are under the salary cap, they are able to absorb the salary of Barbosa.

The Nets, Hornets and Timberwolves have had the most players miss games due to injury this season, followed by the Bobcats, Knicks, Grizzlies and Raptors.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Suns, Jazz, Kings, Magic, Rockets, Mavericks, 76ers, Lakers, Warriors and Heat have missed the fewest games.

Following the Heat in the middle chunk are the Blazers, Clippers, Cavaliers, Bulls, Pistons, Nuggets, Thunder, Spurs, Hawks, Celtics, Wizards and Bucks.

Frank Vogel wants the Pacers to maintain the same intensity against non-contenders as much as they have against teams like the Bulls, Lakers and Celtics.

"I don't think we're there yet," Vogel said. "I think we're close. I heard (analyst) Jeff Van Gundy say the thing about Oklahoma City and Chicago is that they brought it hard and more often than any team in the league.

"We've had times this year where we've played as well as anybody in the league, but we haven't brought it harder and more often than any other team," Vogel said. "We have to establish that consistency to where we can bring it at that level every single night."

The Pacers are taking advantage of an extra break in their schedule.

The recent four-day All-Star break allowed Frank Vogel to have three training camp-style practices during the three consecutive off days.

On Wednesday, the Pacers had an extended film session and individual drills.

The Pacers had an intense two-hour practice, followed by a scrimmage on Thursday.

On Friday, they began preparing for Saturday's game against the Hornets.

"It's been great, not to just get fresh legs but to also spend more time with guys one-on-one," Vogel said. "We've also been able to work on our offensive package."