Pacers’ Smits Reportedly Will Retire Today

Indiana Pacer center Rik Smits is expected to announce his retirement at a news conference today at Conseco Fieldhouse, according to reports.

Smits, 34, had been pondering retirement since the end of last season, and team sources told The Indianapolis Star on Tuesday night that the 7-foot-4 center decided to end his NBA career after 12 seasons. Fox Sports also reported the news.

The sources told The Star that the delay in the announcement was at the request of the club, and not because of any indecision on Smits’ part. The team opens training camp next week in Orlando, Fla.

Pacer officials could not be reached for comment.

Smits informed team President Donnie Walsh of his intentions last month when he returned to Indianapolis from his summer home in upstate New York, but Walsh asked the center to keep his mind open to the possibility of returning.

Several key team representatives then tried to persuade Smits to continue playing, including first-year Coach Isiah Thomas and players Jalen Rose, Austin Croshere and Derrick McKey. Then Walsh asked Smits for his final decision on Tuesday.

Smits would become the fourth player--and third starter--to leave last year’s NBA finalists.

Point guard Mark Jackson left through free agency, signing a four-year contract with the Toronto Raptors. Power forward Dale Davis, who expressed discontent with his contract status, was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers for forward Jermaine O’Neal.

And veteran backup forward Chris Mullin, who had one year remaining on his contract, requested his release in hopes of signing with another team.

Though Smits was a free agent, no formal contract offer was made.

Only shooting guard Reggie Miller will start in the same position as last season. Rose is now the point guard, Croshere the small forward and O’Neal the power forward.