Mark Monteith of the Indianapolis Star reports: While Tim Hardaway is living out of a hotel, has only a bag of clothes, and is driving a yellow rental car, he is looking more than presentable on the court starting to influence the Pacers already.

"That's the way I am," he said after scoring 14 points, passing out seven assists and getting three steals in Indiana's 140-89 victory over the Chicago Bulls. "I talk and I lead and I try to get people to go out there and play right."

Hardaway, for one, is eager to teach and happy to be back on the court.

"Coach (Isiah Thomas) told me there was a lot more chatter this game than in the previous five or six games," said Hardaway, 36. "When I talked to them, they listened.

"They're not looking for the little things, like slips, like dump-downs. That's what I'm here for, to teach them. You'll get the pass back, you'll get the layup. If you come off (a screen) and can't catch-and-shoot, don't frown. Just pass it in. You'll get another chance and when you get another chance, make the shot. Don't worry about it."

Back up point guard Erick Strickland is trying to soak it all in while the former All-star is here.

"I love it," Strickland said. "He talks to me, stays on me, shows me what's going on. I'm glad he's around."