Larry Bird bemused by Lance Stephenson's departure, Indiana Pacers sign Rodney Stuckey

Stephenson rejected a $44million five-year deal to stay with the Pacers last week, instead opting to sign for the Charlotte Hornets for $18m over two years, with a possible additional season for another $9m.

Bird, who was a vocal supporter of Stephenson, admitted he was struggling with the departure of the 23-year-old shooting guard.

Indiana signed 28-year-old Rodney Stuckey from the Detroit Pistons on Monday but the loss of Stephenson remains a tough topic for Bird.

"I really feel bad about losing him,'' Bird told the Indianapolis Star.

"I hope it doesn't interfere with our relationship. But I did what I could possibly do to keep him here. Even if he didn't have any other offers, I was committed to giving him that $44 million because I believe in the kid.

"If you look at our roster, we have five or six guys in the last year of their deals, plus David [West] and Roy [Hibbert] can opt out, so don't you think I wanted to keep Lance and Paul [George] locked into long-term deals?''

Bird added: "It's just disappointing.

"When I'd go to practices, when he was on, he was by far our best player. And he worked. If you work as hard as he does, you're going to get better.

"I'm going to miss the kid, no question. And he's growing up. That stuff he pulled in the play-offs, that was out of the blue. But I knew how good Lance was and the value he brought to our team.''

Stephenson averaged 13.8 points per game last season, pulling down an average of 7.2 rebounds and producing 4.6 assists.

Stuckey's numbers were 13.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per match last season, while his career averages are 13.4, 2.9 and 3.9.

The former Piston told the Pacers' website he was excited to join a team where he might regularly play in the play-offs.

In seven seasons in Detroit, Stuckey was involved in two play-off runs in 2008 and 2009.

"I want to win. I want to go to the playoffs," the shooting guard said.

"It's not fun having the whole summer to do nothing. I just want to play basketball.

"This is a good opportunity to come and do that."