Bird Named All-Star Coach

Larry Bird has won the right to coach in the NBA All-Star game. However, it’s still not clear whether he’ll go.

The rookie coach has qualified to guide the Eastern squad because his Indiana Pacers had the best winning percentage in the conference after Sunday’s games.

But Bird, who played in 12 All-Star games when he was with the Boston Celtics, has said he doesn’t want to attend the Feb. 8 game at Madison Square Garden because he already had plans to spend the break at his Florida home.

Bird could not be reached for comment Sunday, so it’s unclear whether or not he has changed his mind.

Even though Indiana (28-12) is a half-game behind Chicago (30-13) in the Central Division, the Pacers (.700) have a better winning percentage than the Bulls (.698), who lost to Utah on Sunday.