INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (AFP) - Retired National Basketball Association legend Larry Bird said he is considering not returning to his post as president of the Indiana Pacers next season.

The 51-year-old former playmaker led the Boston Celtics to three NBA titles and was a member of the 1992 US Olympic "Dream Team" before coaching his home state's NBA team to the 2000 NBA Finals and then helping in an executive post.

But the Pacers are 26-41 this season, their third non-winning season in a row, and could miss the playoffs for a second year in a row. Past seasons have also brought disciplinary problems with players.

Pacers co-owner Herb Simon has vowed changes before next season without revealing details, and Bird was less than certain of his status or that of club chief executive Donnie Walsh beyond the current campaign.

"I don't know," Bird told the Indianapolis Star. "We will just wait and see. Donnie's been a great man to work for... He's just as sick over (the losing) as I am."

Bird did say he would like a chance to try and return the Pacers to their peak.

"If it's changing everybody, it's changing everybody," Bird said. "I would like an opportunity to try to do it. ... I think there's a lot of blame that can be passed around and obviously it starts at the top. When you're at the top you have to take the hits like everybody else."

The New York Daily News has reported that the New York Knicks might want Walsh to replace Isiah Thomas as team president.

Thomas coached the Pacers for three seasons after Bird stepped down following a 2000 finals loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.