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Last updated on Tuesday, May 17, 2016
(INDIANAPOLIS, IN) - Larry Bird and the Indiana Pacers made it official as they introduced new head coach Nat McMillan on Monday.
Bird said he always respected McMillan but didn't know he was interested in a head coaching job until he interviewed for the Sacramento Kings opening.
"After finding out he was going to Sacramento in search for a head coaching job, I spoke with Kevin Pritchard about Nate and knew we had our man right here."
Asked how his voice will differ from Frank Vogel's, McMillan said, "I'm of the old-school but I have learned to adapt to today's players. I want them to respect the game, respect the jersey they wear and go out every night and play the hardest they can."
McMillan has been known more as a defensive-minded coach but says the fallout from the draft and free agency will determine the offensive scheme.
"I'll sit down with Larry and his staff and we'll work on the offensive direction we want to take but with the draft around the corner and then free agency, I think the roster will determine what direction we go."
The Pacers will hold their first pre-draft workout on Tuesday in preparation for the NBA Draft and announced six players are scheduled to participate. Indiana's Troy Williams, Oklahoma's Isaiah Cousins, Miami's Sheldon McClellan, Florida's Dorian Finney-Smith, Syracuse's Michael Gbinije and Cal's Tyrone Wallace are all expected to be in attendance.
The Pacers own the 20th and 50th overall picks in this year's draft.
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