Pacers sign Rush, Hibbert Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - The Indiana Pacers introduced guard
Brandon Rush and center Roy Hibbert on Tuesday, after both players agreed to
contracts with the club.
Hibbert was drafted 17th overall in June out of Georgetown by the Raptors,
and came to the Pacers in the trade that sent Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto.
Rush, a guard from Kansas, was picked 13th by Portland and then deal to the
Pacers for Jerryd Bayless.
"We're very honored to have two individuals as talented as these young men to
not only be good on the court but off the court to represent... More...
Larry Bird mentioned that he has no intention of buying out the contract of Shawne Williams, according to the Indianapolis Star. Bird said, "We hear this buyout stuff all the time. I think these guys should earn their money. If you can't trade them, let them stay at home. We're in some situations here where the same people continue to get in trouble. We have to deal with it. We'll deal with it the way we think is appropriate."
Our View:Bird has repeatedly noted that he is unsure if Williams will be back with the Pacers next season.
The Indianapolis Star states that the Pacers are not interested in re-signing big man David Harrison.
Our View:The Pacers could use depth in the middle, but the team is going in another direction rather than re-sign the seven-foot center, who only averaged 4.2 points and 2.1 boards in limited action last season. He was also suspended last season for failing a drug test.
Shawne Williams was pulled over by police on Friday, and a passenger in his car was charged with possession of marijuana, according to the AP. Williams was not arrested but was written up for a window tint and seat belt violation after the police stop about 6 p.m. in northern Indianapolis.
Our View:Pacers' team president Larry Bird said the indident jeopardizes his future with the Pacers. He was already on thin ice for being busted for marijuana possession last summer.
