Donnie Walsh is convinced Reggie Miller?s performance last season was more a product of injury than age.

That?s why the Pacers? President and CEO was so optimistic after finalizing a new contract for the franchise?s most prolific player Wednesday afternoon. The deal didn?t represent a reward for Miller?s past, but an investment in his present and future.

?It means Reggie will play his entire career for the Indiana Pacers, yet I?m still not limiting him to this contract alone,? Walsh said. ?I think people will be surprised to see him play next year. Because the ankle problems he had last year (has been resolved), Reggie will be in a better position to bring his game up to where it normally is.

?You have to remember, he averaged 30 points a game in the playoffs two years ago. Reggie is an unusual player. I can?t imagine what it would be like to go out and play a Pacers game without Reggie. He probably could?ve joined the Lakers or a team like that to have a great chance at winning a championship, but he wanted to come back and try to do it here.?

Miller, who turns 38 on Saturday, came to town to sign his contract and also participate in a celebrity bowling tournament hosted by Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, thus there was no press conference.