[PAR] [TLE] 1997–98 Indiana Pacers season [SEP] The 1997–98 NBA season was the Pacers' 22nd season in the National Basketball Association, and 31st season as a franchise.  It was also Larry Bird's first year as head coach.  During the offseason, the Pacers acquired All-Star forward Chris Mullin from the Golden State Warriors.  The team struggled early in the season losing five of their first seven games, but then won 15 of their next 18 games.  The Pacers won nine of their final eleven games, and returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence finishing second in the Central Division with a 58–24 record.  It was also the first time since joining the NBA that the Pacers finished with a winning road record.  Reggie Miller, Rik Smits and coach Bird represented the Eastern Conference during the 1998 NBA All-Star Game.  It was Smits' only All-Star appearance.  Bird was also named Coach of The Year. [PAR] [TLE] Larry Bird [SEP] Larry Joe Bird (born December 7, 1956) is an American professional basketball executive, former coach and former player, most recently serving as president of the Indiana Pacers in the National Basketball Association (NBA).  Since retiring as a player for the Boston Celtics, he was a mainstay in the Indiana Pacers organization, but stepped down from the position of president following the first-round of the 2017 Eastern Conference playoffs.
[PAR] [TLE] 1997–98 Indiana Pacers season [ SEP ] The 1997–98 NBA season was the Pacers ' 22nd season in the National Basketball Association , and 31st season as a franchise . It was also Larry Bird 's first year as head coach . During the offseason , the Pacers acquired All - Star forward Chris Mullin from the Golden State Warriors . The team struggled early in the season losing five of their first seven games , but then won 15 of their next 18 games . The Pacers won nine of their final eleven games , and returned to the playoffs after a one - year absence finishing second in the Central Division with a 58–24 record . It was also the first time since joining the NBA that the Pacers finished with a winning road record . Reggie Miller , Rik Smits and coach Bird represented the Eastern Conference during the 1998 NBA All - Star Game . It was Smits ' only All - Star appearance . Bird was also named Coach of The Year . [PAR] [TLE] Larry Bird [ SEP ] Larry Joe Bird ( born December 7 , 1956 ) is an American professional basketball executive , former coach and former player , most recently serving as president of the Indiana Pacers in the National Basketball Association ( NBA ) . Since retiring as a player for the Boston Celtics , he was a mainstay in the Indiana Pacers organization , but stepped down from the position of president following the first - round of the 2017 Eastern Conference playoffs .
The head coach during the 1997–98 Indiana Pacers season retired as a player from what NBA team?
The head coach during the 1997–98 Indiana Pacers season retired as a player from what NBA team ?
Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics