Bird perused the NBA roster, searching for a scorer and rebounder who could put them over the top. He called the seaside town of Split, Croatia, and tracked down former Celtic Dino Radja, who had played two and half seasons with Boston but left under vague circumstances.

"Dino, this is Larry Bird", he said. "I want to talk to you about coming back to the NBA and playing with the Pacers."
"How did you get this number?" Radja said.
"I don't remember who gave it to me - what difference does it make?" Bird said. "If this is a bed time, I can call you back.  I'm trying to make you an offer to come back to play."
"Oh, okay...I see', Radja said.
"We have a chance to win championship" Bird said. "We could use another front-court player. I thought you fit nicely with what we are trying to do."
"I'm sorry", Radja said. "How did you say you got this number?"

An exasperated Bird finally hung up. Years later, he ran into Radja during a scouting trip in Croatia. "You know, Dino, you cost me a real good chance of winning a championship", he said.
"I know Larry", Radja said. "I'm sorry. I was going through some tough times."