Pacers didn’t just sign Andrew Bynum to keep him away from Heat, says Larry Bird

The Indiana Pacers announced this morning that they signed former Cleveland Cavaliers center Andrew Bynum, and there's no shortage of speculation as to the impact it could have on the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Bird on perception he signed Bynum to keep him away from Heat: "That's about the dumbest thing I ever heard. We dont have money like that."

— Stefan Bondy (@NYDNInterNets) February 1, 2014

Indiana currently has just four frontcourt players in Roy Hibbert, David West, Ian Mahinmi and Luis Scola. Bynum adds another big body to the Pacers front line that can absorb fouls, alter shots and provide some offensive presence as they prepare for a run through the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Of course, the move is also seen as anticipating a matchup with the Miami Heat, who signed Greg Oden on Aug. 7 and appear to be slowly ramping up his minutes as the playoffs approach. If the two teams meet in the Eastern Conference Finals as many expect, we could see a matchup between both injury-maligned big men that would have writers in a frenzy to see who can spin the most heartfelt narrative.

More Paul George: "We'll know right off the bat if he's going to be committed to us or not. It won't be a problem, I don't think."

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 1, 2014

The move is a low-risk, high-reward proposition for the Pacers, who are making a push this season to win a championship. While Bynum's $1 million salary isn't a small chunk of change, the Pacers already have the best record in the NBA and can take the risk on what is possibly the most skilled free agent available looking for a high-level team.