Larry Bird backs George Hill to step up

George is set to miss the entire 2014-15 NBA season after suffering a broken leg on a training camp with Team USA in Las Vegas in August in the lead up to the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The 24-year-old forward averaged 21.7 points and 6.8 rebounds as the Pacers reached the Eastern Conference finals last season.

But Bird has thrown his support behind point guard Hill, who averaged 10.3 points in 76 games in 2013-14.

"We got some guys we think are going to step up and play well," Bird said on Saturday.

"I thought George Hill was excellent during training camp; he's gotten a lot better.

"I'm just amazed by how much better (Hill) has got."

The Pacers open their season at home to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.