Donald Sloan: 'I would love to come back to Indiana'

Pacers point guard Donald Sloan has spent the offseason in his hometown Dallas, reshaping his career in more ways than one.

As Sloan prepares for his summer of free agency - grinding through two-a-day workouts and day long pick-up games - he has switched representation. Sloan, who approaches his fifth NBA season, will now be represented by sports agents Byron Irvin and Dan Fegan of Relativity Sports. The deal was finalized on Friday night.

"Some things weren't happening the way they should have with who I was represented by the last few years," Sloan told The Star, "so I just figured now's a good time as any to make the switch."

Sloan had previously worked with agent Brian Elfus, who also represents the 2014 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard among a host of other NBA players.

Sloan logged 20.9 minutes and averaged 7.4 points, 3.6 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game (40.8 percent overall shooting and 31.3 percent from the 3-point arc) during his second season as the Pacers' third point guard. However, when the team faced mounting injuries at the beginning of the year, Sloan stepped in as the lead guard and started the first 18 games of the season.

During that stretch, Sloan's numbers trended higher as he played 31.1 minutes a game and contributed 11.3 points, 5 assists and 4.2 rebounds on 37.9 percent shooting (34.3 percent from the 3). On opening night, Sloan produced his first career double-double and later stepped up with a career-best 31 points against the Washington Wizards and 29 to lead the Pacers in a big road win over the Dallas Mavericks.

Sloan, 27, has long made his intentions known that he would prefer to log more minutes as a backup point guard and while entering unrestricted free agency, that desire stands.

"I want to go in like I was C.J. Watson last year," Sloan said referencing the Pacers' designated backup point guard for the past two seasons. "I feel comfortable with my ability to play and I feel comfortable with what I showed last year.

"I feel more comfortable going into free agency than where I was before the switch," Sloan said. "I'm looking for the best deal, the best opportunity to show my play."

Though the Pacers had largely viewed Sloan as a third point guard, the team could face a dearth of depth at the position since Watson, also a free agent, is unlikely to re-sign. In spite of his previous status on the team, Sloan said he would be amenable to a return to Indiana.

"I would love to come back to Indiana," Sloan said. "I think me knowing the situation, me knowing the staff top to bottom and core players already and being familiar with everything. I would love to come back. Again, with my last agent, I think there was a little miscommunication between us and the Pacers."

According to Sloan, his former agent Elfus indicated to the team during the season that he wanted to be traded. Sloan said he learned about the direct request made on his behalf during his exit meeting with Larry Bird, the team's President of Basketball Operations. Bird understood Sloan's frustration with minutes and while Sloan admitted he did want to play more, he explained to Bird that he did not request a move.

"I talked to Larry and told him I loved being in Indiana, so we'll see what happens this free agency," Sloan said. "They know I'm not a problem, we've never had any type of conflict or anything, (I'm a) good locker guy, so I don't think they're worried about that."

After the season, Sloan returned to Dallas to work with player development coach Brian Lonergan along with NBA trainer Rafael Barlowe for his most comprehensive offseason regiment as a professional.

While training five days a week, Sloan has focused on building his strength, cardio, agility and foot speed and has also added yoga and a spin class to his routine. On the court, Sloan concentrates on his 3-point technique - spot-up and catch-and-shoot 3s - to become more of a threat beyond the arc and improve his efficiency. Also, every Wednesday and Saturday, Sloan plays marathon pick-up games and remains on the court long after the competition to shoot more jump shots.

"I've taken it to the next level as far as my training," Sloan said. "My mindset is (to prepare for) all these minutes and the opportunity I'm going to get next year."

Call Star reporter Candace Buckner at (317) 444-6121. Follow her on Twitter: @CandaceDBuckner.