Pacers Owner Herb Simon said his job is to ask "good questions" to Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird regarding basketball decisions, but Bird has the "final decision," according to a Q&A with Nate Taylor of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Excerpts of the Q&A are below.
Q: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in January that it would be “highly likely” for Indianapolis to host a future All-Star weekend. What has sparked your interest to host the event again?
Simon: We did it early on and it wasn’t the big deal back in 1985 as it is today. ... I took my 13-year-old to New Orleans and that’s when I really became interested. It’s such a professionally put on operation that it just enlivens the city and brings people together. There’s a real, up-close connection between the fan and the stars. It’s remarkable how it’s changed and how important it is to a city. ... When I realized it would be something the city wanted, I just jumped at the opportunity. We don’t have it yet, but we’re going to put our best foot forward.
Q: Are you optimistic you will be awarded the event in the near future?
Simon: There are 15 teams that want the host the All-Star Game. We have to come in with our bids at the end of the month. The year 2020-21 would be our first year eligible to host it.
Q: Where do you see your future in relation to the team?
Simon: We’re always thinking about estate planning, and it’s all aimed to keep the team here when I’m gone. ... Anything I do with the Pacers would be to ensure that there is a team here in Indianapolis for the foreseeable future.
Q: What ways are you more involved now than earlier in your ownership?
Simon: I’m a nonbasketball player who happens to be an owner. I’m going to ask some questions, but I’m never going to try to second-guess the basketball people. Their results are obvious.
Q: What has surprised you most about the growth of the NBA?
Simon: In the beginning, we could have never imagined anything like this. We’ve had two strong commissioners and they were both the right ones at the right time. Because of both of those guys and what’s happened, we have developed into one of the most desirable leagues in the world.
Q: What are you trying to accomplish from a budget in terms of the salary cap when the cap continues to rise almost every year?
Simon: Believe me, our aim is to be competitive. We don’t like to be paying the luxury tax, but most teams try to avoid that. It depends on how good your people are in putting together a team. We’ll always stay competitive (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 4/14).
KEEP IT FRESH: The STAR's Taylor notes more renovations to Bankers Life Fieldhouse -- "this time major changes -- could be coming in the next few years." Simon said, "For me to sign a long-term lease, which is what I really want to do for the city, we’re going to have to plan it for the 21st century. Things have changed. People's viewing habits are different with more social environments. It takes a major redo because the bones are great and we want to keep it here. We love the feel that people get, but we want to enhance the fan experience and keep us current. That’s going to take a lot of money" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 4/14).
