The Official Site of TJ Ford

Updates

Wed, Jul 9th 2008, 10:23

It's Official, TJ is a Pacer

In what can best be described as a formality at this point, the Pacers officially announced that TJ Ford has joined the team. TJ came to Indiana in a deal Toronto that allowed the Pacers to acquire T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, Maceo Baston and Roy Hibbert (the 17th overall pick in June’s NBA draft) for Jermaine O’Neal and Nathan Jawai (the 41st pick in the draft).

“I’m excited about this trade and excited to be going to a team that really wanted me,” said TJ.

The Pacer’s makeover doesn’t end with that trade, as 3 other new members will join the club. The Pacers will also be bringing in Jarrett Jack and Josh McRoberts from Portland, as well as the Blazer’s draft pick from this year Brandon Rush.

Indiana head coach Jim O’Brien is excited about the new additions to the roster.

“I think Larry and (General Manager) David Morway did an outstanding job in changing around our basketball team, both with the trades and the picks. Our team will have a completely different look next year. Overall, the seven new players we have give us a completely different look than we had last year and we have maintained the guys that got the majority of playing time at the end of last season.

“An area of particular concern for us last year was the point guard spot,” O’Brien said. “We certainly feel with Travis (Diener) returning and the addition of T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack we have solidified that position. We feel getting Maceo, Rasho and Josh really gives us solid depth up front. Brandon gives us a guy who can very quickly impact both ends of the court. Defensively, we think he can be a high-level stopper and we also think Brandon has the potential to create his own shot on a regular basis as well as give us spacing on the court. Roy gives us size and low-post scoring. At the end of every game, he’s still going to be 7-2, which is a real important factor for us.”

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Comments

moneyd | on 21/7/08

I just wanted to wish u the best of luck well u might not need it when u are truely bless with the skills that god have gave u …just wanted to say do ur thang big bro hold it down from ur FAM...FAITH-N-FAM TELL I DIE GOOD LUCK BRO

Johnny | on 13/7/08

Thanks for handling yourself with so much class while you were here in Toronto. Chris stated that he will miss you and so will I. A true basketball fan! I notice you really understand how the system works. The media will likely incite the fans to boo when you arrive with your new team, however for the true fans like myself there will be just cheers. Not for your basketball play, but how you handle adversity, with class and dignity! So go out there and break some ankles and don’t even bat an eye or show any emotion because that is just what you do!

trisha | on 12/7/08

TJ, thank you for all you have done for the Raps. It was a pleasure watching you for the past 2 seasons. You will be greatly missed! Good luck in Indianna….we’ll be looking for you at the ACC!!

Daniel | on 10/7/08

Before the injury in ATL, I truely thought you were on the verge of becoming something great. I was watching every Toronto game. Unfortunately, the incident had to happen and that durastically slowed down your development. I wished you stayed with Toronto and played along side Bosh and JO. Now we lack a person that can create. Any who, the best of luck with you with the Pacers and I have a real gut feeling you are going to turn out into a Top 3 PG in the league or at least you will be better than Jose.

Daniel
Markham, Ontario

Have FUN!

Jimmy | on 9/7/08

TJ i have always looked up to you since texas.your speed is amazing and the Pacers need you. i truely am seeing playoffs in you guys and i am proud of it.i am also glad you are back into the central divison because i live in detroit and now i get to see you come here more often. So congrats and hope you are happy with the new team

Tonya | on 9/7/08

TJ I am one of your biggest fans and I will miss you. I will never forget what you brought to Toronto, I’m glad that you are going on to bigger and better things and hopefully this will be a good move for you in the long run. I wish you all the best. P.s. remember when you were on Much Music with Chris…I was the one who called in! Much love!

Jess | on 9/7/08

Hey TJ. Congrats on becoming a Pacer. The Raps are so lucky to have had you in Toronto for two seasons. Its too bad that it couldnt have been longer, but this is a business and thats the way it goes sometimes (unfortunately). I know that you will do amazing in Indiana…it is your team to lead now. As a Raps fan I know that you were, well, shit on by the media at times last season. It was so ridiculous that they were making a situation out of nothing, but again its a business and that the way it goes. Although some people (the media in particular) had voiced their opinions on you, and even put words in your mouth as to your situation in TO, I would like to say thank-you. Three seasons ago the Raps were a laughing stock of the NBA, and then we had our breakout season. You were a HUGE part of turning this team around, which is why I think people should stop and realize that you were an anamazing Toronto Raptor. You are appreciated. I just hope that you actually enjoyed the time that you had here in Toronto, because from some of the interviews that I have heard, it seems like you are leaving with a little bit of a bitter taste in your mouth – I hope I am wrong though. Thank you for your explosive style of play and the turnaround that you helped lead in Toronto. I wish you and your family all the best in Indiana..cant wait until you come back to the ACC. Good luck.