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Pacers start camp in stages this yearThe unpredictable life cycle of NBA careers resumed Monday, as the Indiana Pacers welcome the first wave of participants in training camp. Players with three or fewer years of league experience reported to the team in advance of today's opening practice sessions at Conseco Fieldhouse. Veterans of four or more seasons report on Thursday and begin practice on Friday. The initial group includes some long shots who will be attempting to find a roster spot among the 15 players who have signed guaranteed contracts with the team. Point guard Omar Cook, shooting guard Carl English and forwards Hiram Fuller, James Head and Michael Smith don't have a financial guarantee for the upcoming season, but aren't necessarily dreaming an impossible dream. "You don't know what we're going to do with the roster," Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh said Monday. "If a guy is good enough, you'll do something (to make room)." Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Pacers' Anderson feels fortunate to have a chancePotential often pays better than performance in today's NBA. That's why the Indiana Pacers were able to pluck a possible starting point guard from the league's bargain bin. Kenny Anderson signed for a song last week. But while his one-year, $1.1 million contract might seem like a sad refrain for a 12-year veteran, he sees it as a revival number. "I'm not bitter," said Anderson, who will join the other veterans in training camp on Oct. 3. "This is just the way it goes now with contracts. Who would have thought I would play 13 years in this league? I'm just glad that I'm still wanted." The Pacers want Anderson to fix a hole in their backcourt. Coach Rick Carlisle is reserving judgment on whether he'll become a starter or a backup to incumbent Jamaal Tinsley, and that's fine with Anderson. He's just eager to regenerate his career. "I know one thing," Carlisle said. "Kenny Anderson right now is a very motivated player. "He's at a point in his career where his game will do the talking. I know what Kenny's capable of, but he has to come in here and do it. And he knows that." Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Pacers boost backcourt flexibilityThe Indiana Pacers on Friday potentially addressed depth at two positions with the signing of veteran guard Kenny Anderson to a one-year contract. "This is where I wanted to be and I'm glad it worked out," Anderson said in a statement. "It's a great fit for me." It's even better for the Pacers. With veterans Jamaal Tinsley, Anthony Johnson and Jamison Brewer, the addition of Anderson suddenly gives the Pacers depth at point guard. It also allows more flexibility with backcourt rotations. Anderson is a dangerous outside shooter (career .345 from 3-point range) in addition to being a savvy floor general. And despite his 6-1, 170-pound frame, he is capable of working at both guards spots. "I think Kenny has done some of that, but what he really can do is score from that position," Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh said Friday. "It gives him another dimension and I think that will help our team. He's got some qualities that I'm not sure we have. "Kenny's a veteran player that knows what he's doing, can run the pick-and-roll, can create his own shot and he can shoot from the outside. He can score and play point guard." Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Pacers Sep 2003 Archive
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