Croshere the Man ?!

ESPN.com - Page2 - From a Bird's-eye view
Larry Bird, Basketball Legend and now, conniving President of the Indiana Pacers has managed to isolate his star player in J. O'Neal who has stated he wouldn't have signed with the Pacers had he known Thomas would not have been there to guide the team in '04. Carlisle should do a good job of filling Thomas' shoes, who despite winning 16 more games for the Pacers than in '02, still had many question marks over him for the 2nd half fadeout.

Now all eyes look to Larry's other pet project, Austin Croshere. He was cutting oranges in Isiah's rotation, but will probably have a larger role in the new look Pacers. What that will do for chemistry in a young and petulant team as he takes minutes from more able players like Bender, Artest and Harrington, mixed in with J. O'Neals anger at being duped before signing, doesn't bode well. I expect the Pacers to go backward this year with these changes.

Looks like Larry put another one on Isiah, but it doesn't mean Isiah is out for the count. He is just as conniving and could further rock Larry's plans and Pacer chemistry when J. O'Neal speaks comes to him for guidance during the season.

And the drama continues in Hoosier land.