Photo Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

The Indiana Pacers after somewhat of a lull in parts of the 90′s and most of the last decade are now looking better than ever.

It’s a different brand of basketball, it’s a different crop of players and it’s a different set of faces in the front office.

It’s taken nothing less than one massive overhaul to get this team relevant again and the fans in Indiana are excited about basketball once more.

Front Office

Larry Bird, the President of Basketball Decisions from the end of the 2007-08 season has shown just as much talent in the front office as he did on the court.

The current Indiana Pacers line-up has Larry’s fingerprints all over it which is shown further down.

He had been involved with the Pacers as a coach and in other front office positions since 1997, but had decided to stand down a day before the draft in June last year.

Citing health issues he all put it together and thought “I just think it’s time”.

Now he’s able to watch this organisation from the comfort of his own home and take credit for the future success it has in store.

I’m sure he’s not the only man to credit in Indiana’s front office as it’s more than a one man job, so kudos to all of them.

The Pacers Starting Line-up

GEORGE HILL, Point Guard

Relation to Larry Bird:

Indiana traded on Draft Night 2011 for George Hill from the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for the rights to pick #15 Kawhi Leonard. 

Hill signed a 5 year extension worth $40 Million in July 2012

This trade has so far been a win win for both teams. George Hill grew very fond of San Antonio and San Antonio of him.

If it hadn’t been the inability to give Hill a deserving pay rise from his rookie deal he would still be with the Spurs today.

This is where Larry Bird went on the offensive and made an offer San Antonio couldn’t refuse.

Now a starter in Indiana he pushed out Darren Collison after just one season backing him up on the bench.

With a cheap 5 year extension in order it’s a match made in heaven for the Pacers.

PAUL GEORGE, Small Forward

Relation to Larry Bird:

Indiana selected Paul George with the #10 Pick in the 2010 Draft.

George has exploded onto the scene after being forced to back up Danny Granger the last couple of years.

A steal at the 10th pick he has put up All Star numbers in his 3rd season en route to his first selection for the All Star game this year.

His emergence has created create problems for when Granger finally returns. Although I’d say George will be at the 2 and Granger the 3.

DAVID WEST, Power Forward

Relation to Larry Bird:

Signed from Free Agency in 2011 for 2 years $20 Million.

A veteran presence for a young team will have been at the fore front of Larry’s mind when signing West.

Battling injuries year after year in New Orleans both he and the Hornets had enough.

The offer of considerable money and a lesser role to manage his health was what pushed him towards Indiana. Another sneaky pick up.

ROY HIBBERT, Center

Relation to Larry Bird:

Indiana traded for Roy Hibbert shortly after Draft Night 2008 when he was selected at #17 to the Toronto Raptors. It also involved the departure of Jermaine O’Neal. 

Hibbert signed a 4 year extension worth $58 Million in July 2012

Another pick up I don’t know how they managed to pull off. They went out with the old and in with the new as a new center in Hibbert took the reigns of Jermaine O’Neal.

This split second upgrade was the start of the revolution of the Pacers roster.

Frank Vogel must also take credit for the performance of the team, putting all the potential together and working out a rotation and a playbook that best uses this teams skill.

Vogel has been coaching as an assistant for the Pacers since 2007 and was promoted to head coach in 2011. Going 1 step further in the playoffs in each year.

From 2008 to 2012, the Indiana Pacers have arguably run their organisation better than anyone else (except the Oklahoma City Thunder).

Bird’s work behind the scenes has opened lots of doors for this Pacers organisation heading into the next 10 years.