Sports Scope

By Fred Sturrup

FPN Acting Managing Editor

One of the most influential names in the National Basketball Association has a keen interest in Bahamian Magnum Rolle. In all of the hype up to now about the Bahamian who is poised to join the likes of Mychal Thompson and Rick Fox as prominent NBA players, the Larry Bird factor has not been a focus.

Well, Larry Bird just happens to be the president of the Indiana Pacers, the club that traded to pick Rolle 57th in the second round of the recent NBA Draft. A check of the Indiana Pacers Report line would provide a unique connection between Bird and Rolle that could very well turn out to be the indicator that the Pacers will have him in the official lineup when the season opens in October.

When Rolle returned to Grand Bahama for the Independence Holiday, he was unable to confirm his status with the Pacers, but the early scenario for him looks good.

After one particular workout session in the rookie/free agents camp, Bird reportedly took Rolle aside and gave him some extra tips. This is not usual for Bird, but in Rolle, the interest was there.

Bird knows a thing or two about the game. His résumé includes: Three-time MVP in the NBA; three-time NBA champion; two-time NBA finals MVP; 12-time NBA All-Star; nine-time All-NBA 1st Team; and one-time NBA Coach of the Year among his accolades.

Pacers' coach Jim O'Brien is high on the 6-11 power forward.

"He's been by far the best player by a large margin (in camp). He has dominated everything. He has scored. He has rebounded. He has defended well. He has a surprisingly high basketball IQ. He shoots really well and pursues every offensive rebound."

That's quite an endorsement.

So, you wrap up Bird's interest and O'Brien's compliments and it appears that Magnum Rolle will be an NBA package soon.

A columnist colleague of mine, George Bremer gave this take:

"I think the Pacers are going to have a very open mind about the roster this season. If I was a guy trying to make a roster in the NBA right now, I think I'd want to be in Indiana. They seem interested in changing the culture anyway they can and I think Bird will welcome anyone on the roster who can help the team win. At the same time, this isn't a hopeless franchise. They were in play-off contention until late in the season two years ago and this could be a play-off team in two or three years if the pieces fall into place."

This is the backdrop for Rolle.

He is in the mix, I think, at the right time. He was actually drafted 51st by the Oklahoma City Thunder but acquired by the Pacers for the No. 57 pick and cash.

Yes, Bird and company are very interested in the slender, but energetic and well-rounded Bahamian talent. His demeanour is good as well. When he walked into the Editorial Department of the Freeport News this past Saturday and we shook hands, I sensed an extremely modest young man. I believe if he stays healthy and can work around most of the damaging action upfront that has already resulted in head stitches, he will be just fine.

For now though, it's a wait-and-see game.