It looks as though Larry Bird is trying his hardest to win the fans back. According to a couple sources of the Indianapolis Star, the Pacers have sent Shawne Williams to Dallas for Eddie Jones, two 2nd round picks, and 1.8 million in cash.
This comes on the heels of the rumored Jamal Tinsley trade, so I'm not sure how true the trade is. I'm actually a bit torn about it.
Eddie Jones was an excellent defender in his prime, but has slowed a bit with age. However, he still has the knowledge and leadership abilities to help this team. He can mentor the younger players with their defensive skills and he can help out in short spurts. Getting the two 2nd round picks is nice too, because Indiana can either use those to package for other picks or players, or they can use them on players that they think might help out the team. Also, anytime a team gets cash in a trade, it is a good thing.
I am not sure how Williams will fit in with the Mavericks, because it seems like there is such a log jam of 2s,3s, and 4s on the team. I am just wondering how much playing time he will get with this bunch. He certainly has the talent to play. I am thinking that maybe the second group will be Jason Terry, Jerry Stackhouse, Shawne Williams, Brandon Bass, and either DeSagana Diop or Erick Dampier. That looks like a pretty solid second unit to me. I'm sure that I am forgetting someone though, so who knows what it will look like. I know Dallas signed Antoine Wright and Gerald Green this summer, so again, who knows how that rotation will work. I just hope that he can keep his nose clean and start to become the person he should be on the court and off of it.
In the end, I guess I am sad to see Williams' talent go, but it is nice to see that Larry Bird has kept his word on making this team something the whole city can be proud of character wise. Now only if the Tinsley situation could get resolved!
*Update: It looks as though the deal is official and Jeff Foster had his contract extended too!
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Comments
I think that most of the fans will be a little forgiving since Bird got rid of the "bad seeds", but they definitely need to make a strong push for the playoffs if he wants to keep the fringe fan.
I think they will win 40 games at least this season.
Well its good to see Bird want to get rid of trouble makers but not sure that the patience will go far unless he starts winning soon. Think the Pacers are going to be one of the worst teams in NBA this year. Good luck pacers