Indianapolis ? Former Kansas University basketball point guard Kevin Pritchard officially has been named director of player personnel of the NBA’s Indiana Pacers.
The team addressed recent reports with a confirmation on its website and in the Indianapolis Star over the weekend.
Pritchard, who worked as Portland’s general manager from 2007-10, will work under president Larry Bird and general manager David Morway. He has signed a one-year contract.
“Larry and I feel like Kevin is a strong addition to our franchise,” Morway told the Indianapolis Star. “We’re looking forward to him working with us. He’s been a player, coach and in management in this league. Those are all pluses for us.”
Pritchard will scout and also help Bird and Morway with free agency, the Star reported.
“He offers another set of eyes in improving our team as we move into the next phase of things,” Morway said.
The Trail Blazers had at least a .500 record, including going 54-28 and getting the fourth seed in the Western Conference in 2009, under Pritchard. Pritchard was fired by the Trail Blazers prior to the 2010 draft.
Pritchard was a consultant with the Pacers last season and traveled with the team for part of its West Coast trip in January. Bird told the Indy Star the Pacers are not bringing Pritchard in as his future replacement.
“That’s not the case at all,” Bird said. “I’ve known Kevin for a number of years and we’re in the position to improve, and his knowledge will help us.”
Pritchard, an Indiana native, and Bird were teammates with the Boston Celtics during the 1991-92 season. He was starting point guard on KU’s 1988 national title team.
