Reggie Miller's No. 31 will remain retired in its place of honor in the Conseco Fieldhouse rafters, but Miller might not. The 41-year-old who retired after the 2004-05 season is considering a comeback with the Boston Celtics.
Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh said he was surprised Miller, who turns 42 on Aug. 24, didn't call him first.
"I wouldn't bet against him and I'm sure he can still shoot," Walsh said. "I'm waiting for (Larry) Bird (the team's President of Basketball Operations) to tell me he wants to come back."
Miller, who played all of his 18 NBA seasons with the Pacers, has spent the past two years as a TNT analyst.
In a statement released by TNT to The Associated Press on Wednesday, Miller said: "I'm always flattered when my name is mentioned as someone who can still help an NBA team win a championship. I've had limited discussions with Celtics management about their roster and a potential role for me. At this time, I'm enjoying my role as an analyst with TNT."
According to ESPN.com, Miller was contacted by Celtics general manager Danny Ainge and coach Doc Rivers, who asked him to contemplate coming back in a reserve role. Though the acquisitions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to complement Paul Pierce have given Boston major star power and transformed the team into a perceived title contender, the Celtics have a serious depth problem.
Celtics basketball operations chief Danny Ainge confirmed the team's interest.
"Reggie and I have talked," Ainge told The Boston Globe. "We've had conversations. I will just confirm that we have had conversations. Doc (Rivers) has talked with him. And, yes, we plan to have further conversations with Reggie."
ESPN.com reported Miller is seeking the advice of friends and peers before making his final decision.