<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird said the team's players will shape up or play elsewhere next season. The Pacers entered this season with championship aspirations, but they traded an unhappy Ron Artest and dealt with numerous injuries on their way to a 41-41 record and a first-round playoff exit. Bird said he likes the Pacers' talent and doesn't plan to make major changes this summer. But he made it clear Wednesday he's done dealing with bad attitudes, selfishness and laziness. "They're the ones that have to make the changes," he said. "If they can't make the changes, yes, we have to look to move them." Bird said he expects to build around Jermaine O'Neal, despite trade rumors. "Jermaine O'Neal is our best player on this team. Everybody on this team knows Jermaine's our guy," Bird said. "I can't sit here today and say we're going to pursue to trade Jermaine O'Neal. There's not one time that we ever called anybody and said 'Hey, are you interested in Jermaine O'Neal?' "I don't know who out there you could trade Jermaine for and get somebody better." </div> Source
Larry Bird as a president is exactly as he was as a player: fearless. I hope this sends a message to the players to committ this summer and be more prepared for the next season. Talent does not equal success. Hard work does.
Man I wouldnt mind a JO for KG trade. KG has more talent is also a low post threat and can shoot the 3 pointer. Like JO said get another center that can score and take body damage
If Jermaine will stay healthy, I wouldn't trade him for KG. KG is cooling off, he isn't so good anymore. And JO can put up 20/10/4/2 a game. (Pts, reb, ast, blks). He is a good blocker and has long arms just like KG, but he's younger.
