When it's all said and done, though, it won't be surprising if Ford is the starter because of his quickness and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

"An area of particular concern for us last year was the point guard spot. We certainly feel with Travis (Diener) returning and the addition of T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack we have solidified that position," Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said.

--F Shawne Williams knows he's on thin ice with the organization. The third-year forward just hopes that ice doesn't break anytime soon.

Pacers president Larry Bird said last month that Williams would be traded if the Pacers could get enough in return, adding if the second-year player remained he would be on "very thin ice."

"I'm going to do everything in my power to keep it thin and try to thicken it up a little bit," Williams said.

Williams' name has been mentioned in two off-the-court incidents in the past year.

A man wanted on murder charges in Memphis, Tenn., was arrested after leaving Williams' home in a truck registered to Williams last February. The man, Gary Bohannon, also was with Williams when Williams was stopped for driving without a license Sept. 11, 2007.

Williams wants to win back the support of the fans that have turned on him. He also plans to cut ties with his negative friends.

"It's hard to cut family out because that's your blood, but some things, you've just go to do. You have to make some sacrifices," he said. "I feel like, if family members and people around you love you and want you to succeed, they'll step back after so much."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Overall, the seven new players we have give us a completely different look than we had last year and we have maintained the guys that got the majority of playing time at the end of last season." -- Pacers coach Jim O'Brien, on the seven players they acquired in trades with Toronto and Portland.