RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Clippers Expected To Pursue David West

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:23:16 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers are interested in signing David West this offseason.

The Clippers will have to entice West with the $5.15 million midlevel exception available to teams that are non-taxpayers.

West played with Chris Paul as members of the New Orleans Hornets.

The Indiana Pacers will be able to pay West more money to re-sign.

George Hill Starts Game 6

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:53:18 EDT

George Hill has been cleared to play and will start for the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 against the New York Knicks on Saturday night.

Pacers coach Frank Vogel said he doesn't expect Hill, who suffered a concussion on Tuesday night and missed Thursday's Game 5, to be limited.

The team released the following statement about 90 minutes prior to the tip:

Over the last two days under the care of the Indiana Pacers' medical staff, George Hill has participated in each step of the NBA's Return-to-Participation Exertion Protocol as part of the NBA's Concussion Policy.  

During the process, George remained symptom-free after each step including his workouts earlier today. After consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the NBA's Director of Concussion Management, the Pacers' team physicians have cleared George to play in tonight's game.

Gani Lawal Intrigues NBA Teams After Breakout Season In Italy

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:15:10 EDT

After a breakout season in Europe, Gani Lawal has intrigued NBA teams and could receive consideration for a contract, league sources told RealGM.

Lawal has already scheduled workouts – private and as part of mini-camps – with the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic, sources said. Four to five other teams have discussed bringing him in to work out, too.

Lawal, the 6-foot-9 athletic, scrappy forward, had his best professional season with Italy’s Virtus Roma, averaging 13.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. Virtus Roma has gone 20-10 this season and ranks third in the league standings.

Since leaving the Phoenix Suns organization that drafted him in the second round in 2010, Lawal, 24, has lost weight and added strength. Lawal played one game with the Suns two seasons ago and was in the San Antonio Spurs’ training camp in 2011, but he was derailed by injuries and didn’t figure into a long-term plan. He was drafted after three years at Georgia Tech.

George Hill Out For Game 5 With Concussion

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:20:56 EDT

George Hill was ruled out for Game 5 by the Indiana Pacers due to a concussion suffered in Game 4.

The Pacers had kept Hill's injury quiet.

Hill believes he suffered the injury when being hit in the head by Tyson Chandler.

D.J. Augustin will start and Frank Vogel said that Paul George could even see some time at the point.

Reggie Miller Still Interested In Front Office Position With Pacers

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:29:19 EDT

Reggie Miller has been in broadcasting since retiring from the NBA, but he has been frequently mentioned as a candidate for a front office position with the Indiana Pacers.

"All the time," said Miller when asked how often he thinks about working in a front office capacity. "It would have to be the right situation (and), for me, the only situation I know is Indiana.

"Those competitive juices always flow. During the regular season, not so much because it’s only one day a week. It really picks up come the end of March and April when the playoffs are about to start and we have a lot of games. That’s when my blood starts to boil and I start to sweat a little bit more. I’m in the action because every possession means something.

"That’s when I think I could possibly do that. Again, it’ll have to be the right situation. We’ll see. I’m not going to broadcast forever. I’ll probably want to do something else in basketball, which will probably be running a team or at least helping run a team."

David West Open To Staying With Pacers

Sun, 12 May 2013 16:03:56 EDT

David West will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason but has not given free agency much thought. Even so, the Indiana Pacers want to keep West and believe they can afford him.

“I’ll address that at the end of the season and focus on finishing this year as best as possible,” West said Saturday after contributing 11 points and 12 rebounds to the Pacers’ 82-71 victory over New York at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. “But I love it here, love this group of guys, this environment, love the core group that we have. This group only has room to get better.”

West has established himself as the Pacers' veteran leader and integral starting power forward. The Pacers have $49 million committed in player salaries for next season.

“This group, the mix of young guys that we have," West said, "and obviously the character of these guys, what these guys are, it fits me, so …"

Lance Stephenson Credits Brian Shaw For Third-Year Improvement

Sat, 11 May 2013 11:28:20 EDT

 Lance Stephenson credited Brian Shaw for improving his jump shot.

Stephenson shot 33 percent from behind the arc this season after going a combined 4-for-35 in his first two years in the league.

“He’s motivated me,” Stephenson said after practice earlier this week. “My first two years, I couldn’t hit [any] threes. [But] by playing with him in a little 3-point game and getting with him and giving me the confidence to knock down big shots, he helped me a lot with the confidence in my jump shot.”

Stephenson’s scoring average jumped from 2.5 in 2011-12 to 8.8 this season.

Hibbert Believes He's NBA's Best Defensive Center

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:27:20 EDT

Roy Hibbert believes he’s the best defensive center in the NBA.

“Yes,” Hibbert said, when posed the question of whether he ranks atop the league’s big men in that category.

Hibbert sits second among qualified centers in block percentage, which doesn’t reveal the number of shots a properly positioned defender alters altogether.

“He's the best in the league at earning no-calls at the rim,” Frank Vogel said earlier in the Pacers’ series against the New York Knicks. “That's where he's grown the most over the last four years. We know the way to beat the Knicks is to make plays without fouling them. You have to make plays on the ball without fouling. That's the goal.”

Hibbert honed that skill in summer workouts with Vogel after his first couple of seasons in the NBA.

“Those types of concepts were things I worked with Roy on,” Vogel said. “Put the back of your hands on the front of the rim. Don't go outside the paint to give help. If you're in the charge circle and not on the ground, you can earn a no-call.”

Donnie Walsh Believes Larry Bird Might Return To Pacers

Tue, 07 May 2013 22:30:08 EDT

Donnie Walsh has an uncertain future as the Indiana Pacers' president, and he believes Larry Bird might come out of retirement to take his spot in the organization's front office.

Even so, Walsh would return to the Pacers next season if Bird does not and owner Herb Simon wants him back.

“I like this but I don’t need to do it,’’ Walsh said.

Walsh said he recently asked Bird if he wants to come back and he’d be willing to step aside, but he still hasn’t heard an answer from Bird.

Walsh said he will definitely run the draft in June.

Walsh Expects Brian Shaw To Be In Demand This Offseason

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:22:26 EDT

Brian Shaw has become one of the NBA's most valuable assistant coaches and was a candidate for several vacant positions this past offseason.

Donnie Walsh, President of Basketball Operations for the Indiana Pacers, believes this could be the offseason where Shaw lands his first head coaching job.

“I think he’s going to be a great head coach, period,” said Walsh. “I don’t have any doubt about it. I’m sure he’s going to be a big candidate this year.”

Walsh sees Shaw’s knowledge of the game and ability to relate to players as what separates him from other candidates.

“He knows the game,” said Walsh. “He has a tremendous ability of approaching players in a language they understand, but he’s firm, he tells them when they’re wrong so it’s not just he’s a player who can get along, he is a coach. I think he’ll be a great coach.”

Orlando Johnson previously credited Shaw for his development in an interview with RealGM’s Michael Scotto and echoed much of Walsh’s praise for Shaw. 

Brian Shaw Allowed To Speak To Nets At Season's End

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:53:06 EDT

Donnie Walsh expects Brian Shaw's name to come up in head coaching vacancies this offseason and will give the Indiana Pacers' associate coach permission to interview for the Brooklyn Nets' opening at season's end.

“I think Brian would be great as a head coach," Walsh said Sunday. “Just as I thought Mark Jackson would be a tremendous coach, I feel the same way about Brian. They both know the game, you can tell they see it like head coaches. And they also know how to relate to players and get them to do what they need to be successful."

Phil Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy have also been reported as potential candidates for the Nets.

The only person Billy King ruled out Sunday was Mike Krzyzewski of Duke.

Paul George Named Most Improved Player

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 07:50:05 EDT

Paul George has won the NBA's 2012-13 Most Improved Player award.

George, in his third NBA season out of Fresno State, averaged 17.4 points, 7.6 rebounds 4.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game.

George's PER, however, increased from 16.5 to just 16.8.

George received 311 of a possible 1,080 points, including 52 first-place votes, from a panel of 120 sportswriters and broadcasters.

Greivis Vasquez of the New Orleans (146 points, 13 first-place votes) and the Milwaukee Bucks' Larry Sanders (141 points, 10 first-place votes) finished second and third, respectively.

George Hill Likely Won't Be Fully Healthy For Playoff Run

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:32:27 EDT

George Hill is playing through a tender left hip, and despite the fact he is trying to block out to the pain mentally, he knows it likely will not be 100 percent healthy for the remainder of the Indiana Pacers' playoff run.

"If it hurts, it hurts,” Hill said. “The way I deal with it is just thinking about the next play. I treat it as an out-of-sight, out-of-mind sort of thing.”

Hill had 18 points on seven of 10 shooting in the Pacers' Game 1 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.

“George Hill is a fighter,” Pacers reserve Gerald Green said. “He’s been dealing with that it seems like all season. But he knows we’re in the most important part of the season. Nothing’s stopping him from being out there.”

Mason Plumlee Receiving Pre-Draft Advice From Miles

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:01:00 EDT

Miles Plumlee, who was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 26th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, has spoken with his brother Mason in preparation for the draft this June.

“The biggest thing I’ve told (Mason) is to be in great shape,” Plumlee told RealGM. “I think that’s the first thing they look for on these teams. They’ve watched all your film, they know what you can bring to the table. But just showing them how much you want it, how hard you’re willing to work for it, is really big.”

While teams heavily analyze film and scouting reports, an individual workout is also a critical component of the evaluation process.

“For me, I think it was even more important than it will be for (Mason),” Plumlee told RealGM. “I don’t think I got to demonstrate as much of my game while I was in college as he did, but it’s important for a lot of people. I think he can show them his mid-range shot and that kind of stuff that he didn’t do as much during the year.”

Unlike most post players, Miles believes Mason’s playmaking ability can separate him in this draft class.

“Our games have changed a lot since we were kids, but the biggest thing that’s stayed a part of Mason’s game from a young age is his passing ability,” Plumlee told RealGM. “I think even as a post player he’s had to work at not being a pass first guy, but I think that’ll be a great thing. He’s easy to play with, he’s going to look for the open guys, and he likes to share the ball.”

Orlando Johnson Credits Shaw For Development

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:51:41 EDT

Orlando Johnson has become a fixture in the Indiana Pacers' bench rotation, playing in 45 consecutive games after playing in just three of 32 games to begin the season.

Johnson credits Brian Shaw, who is in his second season as an assistant with the Pacers, as a key reason for his development.

“I think he’s a great coach,” Johnson told RealGM. “He definitely has a bright future in the league as a head coach because of his time as a player. His record speaks for itself. He’s won at every level. He’s a proven leader and just being under coach Shaw, also being a UC Santa Barbara graduate, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned what it takes to succeed at this level and also to stay at this level.”

Shaw has used his experience as a 14-year veteran to relate to his players and improve their learning curves.

“He’s been through everything we’ve been through.” Johnson told RealGM. “He’s seen all the things so he’s just another extension of coach (Frank) Vogel. Sometimes when we don’t understand (Vogel), we ask coach Shaw and he breaks it down to us and we usually get it.”

Shaw was mentioned as a top candidate for several head coaching positions last summer before he returned to Indiana.

Shaw’s name is expected to surface again this summer with any openings around the NBA. 

Tuesday's Pacers-Celtics Game In Boston Canceled

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:56:43 EDT

The NBA game scheduled for Tuesday, April 16 between the Indiana Pacers and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden has been canceled.

The game will not be rescheduled.

The NBA expresses its sympathy to all those affected by the tragedy in Boston earlier today.

Donnie Walsh Isn't Sure He'll Return To Pacers

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:41:03 EDT

Donnie Walsh, 72, isn't sure he'll return as president of the Indiana Pacers next season.

Walsh said he only stepped back into the role with Indiana because Larry Bird needed a break.

"I took this job because Larry wanted a year off," Walsh said. "If Larry wants to come back, I'm out. I'm leaving. If he doesn't I don’t know what I'll do."

Kevin Pritchard is the team's general manager, working right under Walsh.

Pacers Release Statement, Traveling Party Accounted For In Boston

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:21:19 EDT

The Indiana Pacers, in town to face the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, have released a statement in the wake of the Boston Marathon tragedy:

The Pacers are currently in Boston, to play the Celtics. We have talked to the team and everyone in the travel party has been accounted for.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected in Boston.

Knicks Clinch No. 2 Seed

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:55:39 EDT

The New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers 90-80 on Sunday afternoon to clinch the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Pacers are currently third, two games ahead of the Brooklyn Nets.

Granger Has Successful Left Knee Surgery

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 08:50:38 EDT

Danny Granger underwent successful surgery on his left knee Thursday morning at the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, Florida, according to the Indiana Pacers.

The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews with assistance from Team Orthopedist Dr. Tim Hupfer.

A full recovery is expected and Granger is expected for the start of the 2013 training camp.

Pacers-Suns Game Could Make Sibling History

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 15:18:10 EDT

A seemingly meaningless Saturday night game between the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns could make NBA history in a unique way.

The Suns feature the Morris brothers -- Marcus and Markieff -- while the Pacers have Tyler and Ben Hansbrough.

Ben Hansbrough doesn't always get off the bench, but if he does, it would be the first game in NBA history to feature two pairs of brothers.

This is the first season since the NBA was still the BAA back in 1946 that the league has fielded more than one team with a pair of siblings on their rosters.

When the Suns acquired Marcus Morris from the Houston Rockets in February, the Morris twins became just the 10th pair of brothers on the same team. The Hansbroughs were the ninth when Ben made the Pacers out of training camp.

Granger To Have Knee Surgery, Miss Rest Of Season

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:59:08 EDT

Danny Granger will have left knee surgery and miss the rest of the season.

Granger underwent a surgical procedure for patellar tendinosis in October and came back Feb. 25, but had complications and was sidelined again because of continued pain.

Granger originally injured his knee during a playoff series against Miami last season.

One Win From .500, Mavericks Invite Barber To Pacers Game

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:02:13 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks, who haven't shaved in weeks as they climb back to .500, are a win away from reaching the mark.

Seven players were part of the pact -- O.J. Mayo, Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter, Chris Kaman, Elton Brand, Jae Crowder and Dahntay Jones. Jones has since shaved because he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks last month.

The pact was made when they were seven games under .500. They're 35-36 after winning nine of their last 12 games.

Mayo's barber, Omar, has been invited to Thursday night's home game against the Indiana Pacers.

"Man, everyone is going to have their clippers in their locker Thursday and hopefully you guys can watch us shave them off," Mayo said. "The barber will be here. We're going to leave him tickets and give ourselves a chance to shave them off.

"I want to make sure to do it right. I don't want to leave no patches."

Paul George Playing Through Sprained Ligament In Finger

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 14:55:35 EDT

Paul George has taped together his left pinkie and ring finger over the past few games because of a sprained ligament in the pinkie.

George believes he sprained the ligament in his left pinkie three or four games ago.

“I can barely put pressure on it,” George said Saturday with his hand wrapped in ice. “The first half, I couldn’t really dribble to my left. The ball was going all over the place. I couldn’t get control of it. Once the game gets going I allow myself to just play.”

Despite the injury, George has scored 43 points over the Indiana Pacers' past two games.

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Thu, 23 May 2013 12:17:02 EDT

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