Brown Downplays Latest Move Rumors

Larry Brown, who coached the Clippers to playoff appearances in 1992 and 1993, indicates, without flat-out saying it, that he’s not leaving the Indiana Pacers to return to the Clippers next season.

Brown has two years left on his Pacer contract, but with Brown, there is always speculation that he’ll be moving on.

“I was supposed to be going to UCLA,” said Brown, who coached the Bruins to the 1980 NCAA championship game. “I heard the other day I was going to Ohio State.

“Ever since I left the Clippers, I’ve heard I’m coming back. I’m not going to comment on that. That’s not fair to anyone. They’ve got a great coach [Bill Fitch] who’s done a fine job.

“I’ve got a job here to do and my main concern is to see that we try to get better.”

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Hall of Fame guard Rick Barry was in Indianapolis on Sunday to watch his son Brent play.

Barry, usually outspoken, held his tongue when asked how Brent has been used by Fitch this season.

“He hasn’t had a chance to play very much,” Barry said. “But it’s not my decision because I’m not the coach. Would I like to see him play more? Yes.”

Brent, who made five of 13 shots and had 15 points, two rebounds, three assists and two turnovers in 33 minutes at point guard, wasn’t pleased with his performance.

“I felt like today I just wasn’t real effective running the squad,” he said. --CHRIS BAKER