Larry Bird won the 2011-12 NBA Executive of the Year Award as president of basketball operations for the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, the team reports. The Pacers finished third in the Eastern Conference with a 42-24 record during this past regular season, and are currently tied 1-1 in their second round NBA Playoff series against the Miami Heat.
Larry Bird Wins 2012 NBA Executive Of The Year
BREAKING NEWS: Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird is the recipient of the 2011-12 NBA Executive of the Year award.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 16, 2012
Bird has been in charge of the Pacers' player personnel and coaching moves since 2003, and has overseen a marked improvement in the team recently. One year ago, the Pacers went just 37-45 during the regular season and were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by the Chicago Bulls as an 8-seed. One year prior to that, they didn't even make the postseason.
The Pacers have been one of the league’s best defensive teams all year. They ranked fourth in the NBA with 43.9 rebounds per game, and 10th allowing 94.4 points.
For more on Bird and the Pacers, head over to the SB Nation blog Indy Cornrows. Stay tuned to SB Nation’s NBA hub for more news and analysis.
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