Tinsley

"We've been talking since earlier in the summer," Tinsley said. "It was just the time we had to wait for both to come up with a good number and I was happy with it.

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"This makes me focus on basketball more and not have to worry about something stuff. Now I can just worry about basketball. Knowing that my son will never have to worry about (money) anymore, or my family, sets me right."

A starter for most of his first two seasons, he lost the job to veteran Kenny Anderson in camp last year but persevered and returned to the first unit midway through the season.

Carlisle

"We obviously feel like Jamaal has really earned the conract and the security and it goes to show the kind of faith we have in his abilities to lead our team," said Coach Rick Carlisle. "Early on, it took a while for me to get to know him. I'm not sure he wasn't a pretty mature kid right from the beginning. He kept to himself a little bit but he kept working and there was kind of a quiet knowing in his mind and in his heart that it would work out, and it did."

The 6-3, 183-pound guard, averaged 8.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game in 2003-04, helping the Pacers to a franchise record 61 wins. In three seasons in the NBA, he has posted career averages of 8.5 points and 7.3 assists.

"We are very happy to have Jamaal Tinsley signed to a contract that carries him into the future with the Pacers," said Pacers CEO and President Donnie Walsh. "He is a very important part of our team."

Had Tinsley not signed an extension before Sunday's deadline, he would've become a restricted free agent after this season.