Bird steps down as Pacers president, Pritchard to assume duties

Larry Bird officially stepped down as president of basketball operations for the Indiana Pacers but will remain with the organization in an advisory role, the team announced Monday.

General manager Kevin Pritchard will assume control over basketball operations.

"I felt it was time to step away in a full-time capacity," Bird said in a statement. "This has nothing to do with my health or our team. I'm 60 years old and I want to do other things away from basketball. I will do some scouting for the Pacers, NBA, college, international, do some appearances and stay in a capacity to advise senior basketball management."

Bird was hired as the Pacers' president in 2003, earning Executive of the Year honors during the 2011-12 season. The 60-year-old resigned from the position in 2012, but returned as president a year later.

Pritchard joined the organization in 2011 as director of player personnel, and was promoted to general manager the following year.