Mr.Bottomtooth
08-25-2006, 09:00 PM
Davis' return to Indiana not out of the question
By Mark Montieth
[email protected]
At the very least, it's an idea that has crossed several minds.
Former Indiana Pacers forward Antonio Davis is said to have interest in playing for the team again. The Pacers have interest in him.
They haven't talked directly, however, and his plans remain uncertain.
Al Harrington, who as a rookie with the Pacers in 1999 lived with Davis' family, talked with Davis about his future when they both attended Reggie Miller's jersey retirement ceremony in March.
"He's still interested," Harrington said Thursday. "He mentioned Chicago and the Pacers, but said he'd rather play here."
Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh has interest in Davis, seeing him as a perfect fit on a roster in need of a big body and a veteran presence.
Davis reportedly plans to move to Geist, whether he plays or not. Harrington even joked about moving in with him again.
Reached by telephone, however, Davis denied those plans.
"I was, but I'm not now," he said.
Does he want to play another season?
"I doubt it very seriously," he said.
Davis then said he had to be excused to make a call. He could not be reached later.
Davis, 37, split time between New York and Toronto last season. He and his family have been living in the Chicago suburbs since he was traded to the Bulls midway through the 2003-04 season.
Thinking ahead
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle hasn't determined a starting lineup, but he envisions putting Harrington with Danny Granger and Jermaine O'Neal in the front line.
"They all bring something a little different to the situation," Carlisle said. "All three guys are very good rebounders at their positions. There will be times when Al is defending the center and Jermaine the (power forward), and there will be times when Al is playing center on offense and Jermaine will be the (power forward).
"All three guys bring the ability to shoot the ball and put the ball on the floor. It opens us up from the standpoint of being a quicker team and being able to make things happen."
Etc.
The Pacers have clarified the duties of Chris Denari, who will take over the television play-by-play announcer's role held the past eight seasons by Al Albert. Denari will continue to handle the Indiana Fever television telecasts as well. . . . Although no formal announcement has been made, Johnny Davis has begun working as an assistant coach. Davis was at Conseco Fieldhouse on Thursday, where his car was delivered in a truck from Florida. Davis, who played for the Pacers from 1978-82, replaces Kevin O'Neill on the coaching staff.
By Mark Montieth
[email protected]
At the very least, it's an idea that has crossed several minds.
Former Indiana Pacers forward Antonio Davis is said to have interest in playing for the team again. The Pacers have interest in him.
They haven't talked directly, however, and his plans remain uncertain.
Al Harrington, who as a rookie with the Pacers in 1999 lived with Davis' family, talked with Davis about his future when they both attended Reggie Miller's jersey retirement ceremony in March.
"He's still interested," Harrington said Thursday. "He mentioned Chicago and the Pacers, but said he'd rather play here."
Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh has interest in Davis, seeing him as a perfect fit on a roster in need of a big body and a veteran presence.
Davis reportedly plans to move to Geist, whether he plays or not. Harrington even joked about moving in with him again.
Reached by telephone, however, Davis denied those plans.
"I was, but I'm not now," he said.
Does he want to play another season?
"I doubt it very seriously," he said.
Davis then said he had to be excused to make a call. He could not be reached later.
Davis, 37, split time between New York and Toronto last season. He and his family have been living in the Chicago suburbs since he was traded to the Bulls midway through the 2003-04 season.
Thinking ahead
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle hasn't determined a starting lineup, but he envisions putting Harrington with Danny Granger and Jermaine O'Neal in the front line.
"They all bring something a little different to the situation," Carlisle said. "All three guys are very good rebounders at their positions. There will be times when Al is defending the center and Jermaine the (power forward), and there will be times when Al is playing center on offense and Jermaine will be the (power forward).
"All three guys bring the ability to shoot the ball and put the ball on the floor. It opens us up from the standpoint of being a quicker team and being able to make things happen."
Etc.
The Pacers have clarified the duties of Chris Denari, who will take over the television play-by-play announcer's role held the past eight seasons by Al Albert. Denari will continue to handle the Indiana Fever television telecasts as well. . . . Although no formal announcement has been made, Johnny Davis has begun working as an assistant coach. Davis was at Conseco Fieldhouse on Thursday, where his car was delivered in a truck from Florida. Davis, who played for the Pacers from 1978-82, replaces Kevin O'Neill on the coaching staff.