Practice didn't last all that long Monday, because there were only 10 healthy players available.
Travis Diener was waived on his 28th birthday, reportedly as a favor by the Pacers so he could sign with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Solomon Jones was suspended for "conduct detrimental to the team," said Coach Jim O'Brien.
Luther Head was away from the team for personal reasons.
Add the injured Tyler Hansbrough (inner ear infection) and Jeff Foster (back) to the list, and suddenly the Pacers were shorthanded as they prepared for a four-game Western Conference road trip that begins Tuesday in Los Angeles against the Lakers.
Diener had appeared in just four games with the Pacers this season. After battling a foot injury much of the year, he was healthy enough to play but was not able to carve a niche in the deep point guard rotation.
"He wanted another opportunity to play and our third point guard is A.J. Price," said team President Larry Bird. "He's been injured. He had a tough time with that toe but he's over that now and he feels like he wants an opportunity to play in the playoffs."
Bird said he'd consider filling the open roster spot.
"I'm not sure, but we'll take a look at it," Bird said. "There'll be some guys that are cut and some guys out there we might like. Obviously, the coach has to be involved. We don't have a lot of games left, or a lot of practice time for this year but this could be an opportunity to take a look at somebody we might think about for next year."
There was no word on what prompted Jones' suspension. O'Brien said only that he would rejoin the Pacers for Wednesday's game in Portland – when they just might see Diener again.
With Steve Blake traded to the Clippers (with Travis Outlaw) for Marcus Camby, Portland had both a roster opening and the need for another point guard and 3-point shooting threat. In order for Diener to be eligible for Portland's playoff roster, he had to sign before today's deadline.
O'Brien said he wasn't sure when Head would rejoin the team.
"I'm going to talk to him again tonight," said the coach. "He had to do something up in Chicago."
Hansbrough out for the season?
O'Brien took the opportunity of his weekly show on 1070 The Fan to reveal he does not believe Tyler Hansbrough will play again this season.
"I'm not sure we're going to have Tyler back this year," O'Brien told host Kevin Lee. "His difficulties might last throughout this year. If he got better in three weeks, he would have to recondition and I don't know if it would be in his best interest to make a showing.
"It's been a very, very difficult year for the young man and something we thought was minor turned into a lot more complicated issue."
Hansbrough has missed 19 straight games and 26 of 30 with an inner ear infection, and has not been able to do any on-court activity for several weeks.
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