s into a new era in 2017, and I am confident that we c | Forum

Larry Bird has been trying to mold the Indiana Pacers into a faster, sleeker unit under new coach Nate McMillan. Steve Francis Jersey .He also knows the value of having a reliable offensive threat in the post to get buckets when the game inevitably slows down, and thats where Al Jefferson comes in.The Pacers agreed to terms with Jefferson on a three-year deal worth $30 million, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract cannot be signed until July 7.In a league that has steadily gotten smaller and more versatile, the 31-year-old Jefferson is a throwback to the crafty, dominant post players of Birds era. And Big Al has Celtics green all over his game.Jefferson started his career with Birds old team before being traded to Minnesota, where he was tutored by Birds former teammate and Celtics Hall of Famer Kevin McHale, one of the best post players to ever play. Jefferson has exhibited some of the same trickery and creativity on the block that McHale made famous for those title-winning Celtics teams, and his unique skill set has helped keep him in demand as he has weathered some significant injuries.The 31-year-old missed significant time for the Charlotte Hornets last season with a knee injury and also had to sit out five games for violating the leagues substance abuse policy.He averaged 12.0 points and 6.4 rebounds in 47 games for the Hornets, who also lost Jeremy Lin in free agency on Friday.Jefferson joined the Hornets three years ago and was named third-team All-NBA in his first season under coach Steve Clifford.He was plagued by foot injures the next two seasons.After the Hornets lost in Game 7 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, Jefferson said he wanted to return to Charlotte to finish his career.There is nowhere I would rather be, Jefferson said on May 2. The things that we have done with this franchise the last three years have been amazing and I want to continue to see it through. But there is a business side to it, but I would like to end my career here.Clearly things changed when the market opened on Friday. But in a dizzying 12 hours that have seen some eye-popping contracts handed out, paying $10 million per year to a proven low-post scorer whose game should age well was by no means a stretch.The Pacers have already added point guard Jeff Teague and forward Thaddeus Young via trades to bring some of that quickness and versatility that the modern game demands.Now Jefferson will bring some of the muscle and toughness that could prove valuable come playoff time.---AP Sports Writer Steve Reed in Charlotte contributed to this report. Clyde Drexler Jersey . -- Charline Labonte couldnt have asked for a better homecoming. Clint Capela Rockets Jersey . Rob Manfred, baseballs chief operating officer, testified last week during the grievance filed by the players union to overturn Rodriguezs 211-game suspension. A person familiar with the hearing, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press on Saturday that Manfred testified the sport wasnt concerned whether Bosch distributed performance-enhancing drugs to minors because MLBs interest was his relationship with players under investigation. https://www.rocketsrookiesshop.com/Gary-Clark-City-Edition-Jersey/ . The lawyers filed a 33-page amended complaint Tuesday in federal court in Manhattan, expanding on the suit originally filed Oct. 3 in New York Supreme Court. Arbitrator Fredric Horowitz last week refused to compel Selig to testify in the grievance, and Rodriguez then walked out of the hearing without testifying. Sauber has confirmed Marcus Ericsson will remain at the team for 2017.The announcement, made on Monday, extends Ericssons stay at Sauber to a third season. The news was widely expected in the F1 paddock due to his close ties to the teams new owners, Longbow Finance.The Swede is excited to see what Sauber can achieve with its new backers under the new regulations in 2017.It is great news that I will be racing for another year for the Sauber F1 Team, he said. I have spent two years with Sauber now, and I really feel at home. A big thanks to everyone within the team for trusting in me again. From a personal point of view, I have developed a lot as a driver during my time at Sauber. We have had ups and downs, but we always stick together and work as hard as we can.Since the new ownership, there has been a positive push in the team, so it will also be exciting to go into this new era. Many motorsport experts are becoming part of Sauber, which is a good sign for the future. For 2017 my aim is to build on my performance from the second half of this season, and to continue working hard with the team. I cannot wait for the 2017 season, so that we can make our way up to the midfield with the objective to score points on a regular basis.Teaam principal Monisha Kaltenborn has praised Ericsson for the commitment he has demonstrated in the difficult 2016 season. Brandon Knight Jersey. .We are very pleased to announce that Marcus will remain our race driver for the Sauber F1 Team in 2017, she said. During the current season Marcus has again showed he is willing to go that extra mile in order to make progress. He went through very difficult times with us, but managed those very well. In the last two years, he has made significant steps in regards to his personal development, proving his skills on as well as off track, especially when circumstances are not easy.He is not only a good driver, but also an important team player who understands how to work with the team and how to motivate everyone with his positive attitude. Formula One goes into a new era in 2017, and I am confident that we can count on Marcus to bring the team back into the competition.The announcement also said Sauber will announce Ericssons 2017 teammate in due course. Felipe Nasr, who scored two valuable points for the team in Brazil, is yet to be signed for another season with the team. ' ' '