The Pacers wanted to leave a roster spot open heading into camp, but couldn't pass up on signing Luther Head.

"It was too hard to pass up," team president Larry Bird told Indianapolis Star. "I've been after Luther for two years. I think he's a player that can come in and get something done for us."

Head was signed to a one-year, partially guaranteed contract on Thursday. He was waived by Houston in February. He signed with Miami, but broke a bone in his right hand that kept him out of all but 10 games.

"Last year was a rough year for him," agent Mark Bartelstein said. "But he's shown in the past what he can do. He averaged double figures on a playoff team. We think going to Indiana and playing in the system (coach) Jim (O'Brien) runs fits Luther's style perfectly."

Bird agreed with Bartelstein's assessment.

"Luther's quick and we feel the way we're going to play defense this year, he can get out and get in the passing lanes," Bird added. "Offensively, I don't worry about him. I think he's going to fit pretty good because of his quickness."