INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Pacers chief executive Donnie Walsh will leave the team after this season.

Walsh says he will finish the season and will not comment on his plans. Team president Larry Bird will take over many of Walsh's duties.

He says the time is right to go and he has enjoyed his 24 years with the club. That includes the last few years, when the team has dealt with a series of legal problems involving players.

Walsh says Monday's announcement should not be a surprise, since he has said previously this would be his last season.