Umm...where's Rasho? My apologies for bastardizing The Bard but I enjoy fiddling around with words and since Hicks raised the thought a few weeks ago, the question remains today: Where is Rasho Nesterovic?

We've had tons of welcome-to-the-family features and events revolving around T.J. Ford, Jarrett Jack, Brandon Rush, Roy Hibbert and even included Maceo Baston and Josh McRoberts. In fact, I think McRoberts is cleaning the locker room, washing cars and calling every season ticket holder just to say, "Hi."

Rasho? Nothing.

I realize he played for Slovenia this summer and is probably on an extended European stay back home. But phones work over there, right? Some kind of acknowledgement would be nice. Is he as excited to begin the season as the rest of the new guys? Has he been working out and getting ready to play his role? What does he like to do in his off-time?

Wait, I know the last one. Rasho probably likes to take it easy; he's not a guy that likes to go out, more of a home-body. Likes to go to movies. How do I know this answer? Because that's roughly how ALL the new guys have responded to a similar question. I want to know who's handing out the Eddie Haskell script down at the Fieldhouse? Why not just make is crystal clear and have them swear not to hang out after hours with Jamaal Tinsley, Marquis Daniels or Shawne Williams?

So the questions about Rasho remain as we sneak into September on Monday. It would be nice to know his status with the team; otherwise I'm left to begin speculating that his sweet, expiring contract is going to be used as part of another big deal prior to the season. Flipping the roster flexibility Rasho offers so quickly would be a shame, but David Morway and Larry Bird still have rough waters to navigate in their quest to improve the team. First and foremost, moving Jamaal Tinsley. If Rasho is used in an effort to move the team forward then so be it. At this point, I'd rather Rasho play the role of deal sweetener than Jeff Foster.

My thoughts and prayers are with Wayman Tisdale tonight as he begins recovery from surgery to amputate part of his right leg that was taken over by bone cancer. I always have a fond spot in my heart for players like Tisdale who show the unique NBA skill to score with apparent ease. His talents weren't limited to the court as he's been killing it on bass since he stopped lacin' 'em up.

And the smile. The personality. The man has the goods to take on this additional challenge in his battle against cancer. That much is evident from this quote earlier this summer while he was still undergoing chemotherapy.

"I feel better than ever. I'm excited. I've got a whole new look on life. I look at life on a whole 'nother radar."

Whole 'nother radar. I love that line because it is so true. I went through my own battle with the big C almost ten years ago. It included major surgery which I'm reminded of when I wake up in the morning and several times throughout the day, every day for the last ten years. Life changing event doesn't begin to describe the emotional and physical scars I try to suppress.

But the silver lining from my battle and the daily reminders is what eases my mind, giving me great hope for Tisdale in his recovery. That "whole 'nother radar" allows you to accept what has happened and then deeply appreciate everything else in your life. Little things. Big things. Difficulties. Accomplishments. They're all enhanced on a level that's impossible to explain. It's like you take a daily inventory and realize how much you have to be thankful for above and beyond the challenging struggles. It's something I wish everyone could experience without having to pay the cost required.

Tisdale has a far worse case than I did and his prognosis may never give him a clean bill of health. Hopefully this surgery will remove the last of the cancer and combine with his spirit for life to let the Tisdale show go on for many years to come. Stay strong, Wayman!

Tom Ziller is drilling through his Top 50 NBA players over at the Fanhouse and has slotted newly acquired Pacer,T.J. Ford at #45. TZ paints a pretty picture to think about for the upcoming season and certainly isn't hung up on the injury questions that seem to always smother analyses of Ford's game.

So, if under Mitchell Ford could be an excellent offensive player, how will things go in Indiana? Well, Jim O'Brien likes to play fast -- transition offense, defensive gambling, early threes encouraged. Ford loves to gamble and is at his best in the open court (so long as Al Horford's not around). By all indications, Ford is as good a fit for Indiana's up-tempo affair as anyone. I can imagine a team that guns and slips to the rim every time down, with T.J. running the show like a Broadway choreographer.

Hey, we're used to having a PG running the show without a reliable outside shot. Ford's quickness and ability to breakdown ANY defense should open up plenty of 3-balls for his teammates. It all sounds good in theory. Can't wait to see it in action.

Jeff Fauxster wants the Pacers to use the red, white, and blue ball.
So should you.

Now that we know the Pacers will open up the preseason at the Pepsi Coliseum, it's time to consider the details that will make it a truly spectacular night. The ABA Pacers won three championships in the Pepsi Coliseum so in addition to the Pacers and New Orleans Hornets kicking off their preseason, the night is also a chance to take the franchise and fans back to their successful roots.

A critical part of the evening has to be playing the game with an ABA-style red, white blue ball. No brainer, right?

Well, apparently the Pacers asked the NBA about using the RWB ball and their request was denied. A ceremonial RWB opening tip may be all we get. Really? That's it? Something must be done to right this wrong.

On Friday, I heard Mark Boyle scoff at the denial as an NFL-like decision, similar to the uniform or celebration rules the No Fun League imposes to pasteurize their players. Couldn't agree more. The ball can be an NBA regulation ball with all the appropriate logos. I'm sure the Simons would be happy to pay to have them made. Heck, they could probably end up selling them after the fact and make a nice profit.

I don't know what I can do with my little megaphone hear but I'm willing to spread the word so please chime in with your reasons to use the RWB ball. I will continue to haunt the Interwebs with the Fauxster shot until this issue is resolved.

Here are a few additional reasons to use the RWB ball:

• Oh, did I mention? It is a PRESEASON game and the first one at that. The Pacers are in sell mode and if the RWB ball plays a small part in attracting fans to the current product then it will be worth it.
• The Pacers play the New Orleans Hornets. Close your eyes and think about Chris Paul yo-yoing the RWB all night for a quarter maybe two. Classic images for collector posters and trading cards will be there for the taking.
• Great chance to draw attention to a meaningless preseason game. ESPN and other sports outlets will be attracted to highlights with the RWB. The "beach ball" will bring more eyeballs, I'm telling you!
• Again, close your eyes and envision the visual candy well-defined, tight spin of a RWB jumper en route to the net. Sweet, isn't it?
• The night pays homage to an era of great success and positive energy. Let the franchise go all the way back and celebrate it in style.
• The RWB should inspire Slick Leonard to dig into his closet to out fit the coaches.

If anyone from the NBA can weigh in on this issue I'd be happy to share the league's view on the story.  Until then, please use the comments to add more ideas about how to make this retro-preseason game a special night.

Congratulations to Team USA Basketball for bringing home the gold medal after hanging on to beat Spain today, 118-107.

So much for cruising to the gold medal, though. Don't let the double-digit final deficit fool you, this game was tight for much of the second half. Huge head nods to Spain for laying it all on the line and executing a great game plan to push the USA team to the limit.

Juan Carlos Navarro and Rudy Fernandez made sweet hoop after sweet hoop while the Gasol boys held it down around the bucket. They gave the U.S. team plenty to choke on.

Fortunately, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade kept the airway clear and Spain from taking the lead. Kobe Bryan't fourth quarter effort was the difference. He found his shot when it mattered including a dagger 4-point play from behind the arc. Awesome.

Congratst to Coach K and Jerry Colangelo for setting this team up and setting the tone for a gold medal team that made our national pride swell. Now maybe Coach K can take over U.S. Track and Field and work with those 4X100 teams for 2012.