INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Pacers on Wednesday hired former forward Chuck Person to assist president Donnie Walsh in player relations and serve as a college scout for the draft.

Person spent his first six seasons with the Pacers after being selected with the fourth overall pick in the 1986 draft. He was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1987, when he averaged 18.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in 82 games.

"I'm very happy to be back with the Pacers," Person said. "This is where I got my professional start when Donnie Walsh took a chance on me and I hope I can pay him back with this opportunity."

The 38-year-old Person retired after the 1999-00 season and averaged 14.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 943 games. His younger brother, Wesley, is a forward with the Memphis Grizzlies.

"It's great to have Chuck back in the franchise again," Walsh said. "He was my first draft pick and as a player, he was extremely knowledgeable about the game. I'm glad to have him back."