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...
Co-owner Herb Simon said recently that Jamaal Tinsley "probably outlived his welcome" with the Pacers, and the team is trying hard to trade him. However, if they cannot find a team to take his $21 million contract, they would think about buying it out, though they do not want to do that, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Our View:The paper notes that Tinsley's name plate is gone from what used to be his locker, and when the owner says you're not welcome, that's usually a bad sign. But everyone across the league knows the Pacers want to move him, so their chances of getting anything significant for him are not high.
Pacers forward Danny Granger would like a contract extension before he becomes a restricted free agent next summer, but serious negotiations have not begun, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Our View:Granger is an important part of the Pacers, as he averaged over 19 points and six rebounds last season. The team is under no pressure to sign Granger, however, because even if he does ink a deal with another squad next year, the Pacers can match.
Travis Diener is still feeling pain and discomfort in his left big toe, according to NBA.com. The pain is the result of surgery to remove bone spurs back in May. He said, "My foot's getting closer and closer to 100 percent. It's actually taken a little longer than I would've liked for it to get back to where I want it. There's still some pain and soreness in there but in the next month or so it should be ready to go. So I'm getting ready for camp, getting in the gym, getting shots up, lifting, things of that sort."
Our View:Diener is confident he will be ready for camp, but won't likely hold any fantasy value while fighting for minutes with T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack.
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