The Indiana Pacers have solidified their point guard situation, after a 5-year lapse at the position, by acquiring Darren Collision. Although the Pacers had to give up Troy Murphy and take on the inflated salary of James Posey, the Pacers made the right decision by pulling the trigger on this deal.

Collison showed star caliber potential with the Hornets after stepping in for Chris Paul last season, and averaged a not-so-average 18.8 points and 9.1 assists during 37 starts.

Larry Bird had these thoughts to share on how Collison will immediately help the youth movement in Indiana:

“I think it helps out tremendously,” Bird said. “I think this was the piece that we needed. The vision I have for this franchise is to get the core group up and ready to go as quick as we can, and this piece here will accelerate everything.”

Indiana Pacers fans already have shown their approval of this move, as ticket sales have already experienced a jolt after they heard the news. Perhaps they all recall the triple double produced against the Pacers in February.

Hope has arrived in Indiana.

Collison is accustomed to a winning brand of basketball, and he will bring his UCLA heritage of winning and inject it into the culture of Indiana basketball:

“People can look forward to a player that loves to win,I just want to bring that excitement back to the city.What I am is a hard-working player, someone that loves to win and will do anything to win games,” Collison said. “Last year with New Orleans, it didn’t sit well with me because we didn’t make the playoffs. I’m not accustomed to that coming from UCLA.”

Although the Easter Conference has suddenly become more tough with all the free agency action skewing the talent to the east, the Pacers can at least offer their fans hope to return to the playoffs.

The Pacers are stuck dealing with T.J. Ford, whom declined a buyout and will serve as Collison’s highly overpriced backup at $8.5 million this year.

Regardless of any unfavorable situations Ford may cause due to his own unhappiness,Indiana Pacers fans can now rejoice knowing they have solidified  a younger core.