Pacers' Bird Prefers Polish to Potential at No. 11

The 11th pick in the NBA Draft hasn't yielded much in recent years but Larry Bird is convinced that's about to change. Bird believes the Pacers will be able to acquire a player that can step in and contribute next season with their first pick Thursday night. That would buck a trend that has produced just one 2007-08 starter (Golden State's Andris Biedrins) and no All-Stars from among the last 14 players selected at No. 11. Of course, it's also the slot that produced Reggie Miller in 1987. [link]