27 Jun 2013

Larry Bird back with the Pacers

12:11 pm on 27 June 2013

Hall-of-Famer Ameican basketballer Larry Bird, who resigned in 2012 because of health problems, will return to his role as president of basketball operations for the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers agreed to a multi-year deal with Bird who will resume his duties of running the NBA team.

Bird says the year off gave him a chance to reflect, to rest, to take care of some health issues and it re-charged him.

Bird, who has three championship rings as a player, has been instrumental in the success of the Pacers since he took over as president of the team a decade ago.

His draft picks include Paul George and Lance Stephenson and he acquired the draft rights to centre Roy Hibbert in 2008.

Bird played 13 seasons in the NBA with the Boston Celtics and was a three-time league MVP and two-time NBA finals MVP.