Pacers guard Ford takes latest demotion in stride

Three seasons, three demotions for Indiana Pacers point guard T.J. Ford.

It didn't happen because Ford played his way out the rotation, according to coach Jim O'Brien, but because the struggling Pacers are gradually beginning their youth movement. They are looking to see who they can count on in the future.

Ford has been replaced by second-year player A.J. Price.

"It wasn't anything that was discussed to me," Ford said. "It kind of just happened. Going into the season, I felt at some point it would happen. In my view, I'm not too surprised. Just a little shocked it happened right now."

The best thing for the Pacers and Ford may be for them to cut ties. There's a possibility it could happen before the Feb. 24 deadline.

Ford is a steady point guard. He also has an $8.5 million expiring contract.

The Pacers are trying to move Ford now that they feel comfortable with Price and rookie Lance Stephenson as the second and third point guards.

Ford declined the Pacers' offer to buy out his contract for about $3 million less than his current salary last summer. He is receptive to a trade instead of spending the rest of the season on the bench.

"By making the decision (of sitting me), I would hope that's the case," he said. "I don't see why it would be best for me to be here the whole year. That's their call. Either way it goes, I'm here and I'm going to still stay ready because anything can happen at any given moment."

Ford hasn't been a locker room distraction, and he's a huge supporter of Price and Stephenson.

"Pretty much, I understand that the time is up here," he said. "I can just sit here. I was in the same situation last year. I'll continue to cheer guys on because I want to see A.J. and Lance do well. They're part of the future. Under the circumstances, I'll still come to work every day and be professional about it."