Pacers head into offseason with David West a top priority; door open for Larry Bird, too

INDIANAPOLIS – Returning unrestricted free agent David West to the Indiana Pacers is a top priority for team President Donnie Walsh heading into the offseason.

So is adding players with strong defensive and shooting skills in free agency and during the draft on June 27.

Walsh, speaking at a Thursday news conference, also said the door is still open for former Pacers President Larry Bird to return to the front office. Bird was president of the Pacers from 2003 to 2012.

The Pacers finished 49-32 and lost in the Eastern Conference finals to the Miami Heat, their best season since 2003-04.