Former IU star Christian Watford became the third area player …
Indiana Pacers president, Larry Bird looks on during as NBA draft prospects workout in Indianapolis, Thursday, June 16, 2011. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana Pacers president, Larry Bird looks on during as NBA draft prospects workout in Indianapolis, Thursday, June 16, 2011. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Former IU star Christian Watford became the third area player …
Updated: Wednesday, 16 May 2012, 2:17 PM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 16 May 2012, 2:15 PM EDT
NEW YORK (AP) - Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird has been voted the NBA's Executive of the Year, becoming the first person to win that award, plus the league's MVP and Coach of the Year honors.
The Pacers went 42-24 and are tied 1-1 with Miami in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Bird's moves to strengthen the team during the offseason included promoting Frank Vogel from interim to head coach and signing starting forward David West.
Bird was a three-time MVP as a Boston Celtics player, then led his home-state Pacers to a 147-67 record in three seasons and their only finals appearance in 2000.
Bird received 88 points and 12 first-place votes from a panel of his fellow team executives Wednesday. San Antonio's R.C. Buford was second with 56 points.