Indianapolis ? Tim Hardaway feared his career was over when teams ignored him during training camps. The Indiana Pacers were concerned about backcourt depth entering the final weeks of the season.

Both problems were solved Thursday.

Hardaway gave up his job as a television analyst to sign with Indiana, giving the struggling Pacers a needed boost.

The 36-year-old point guard, a five-time All-Star, is expected to be in uniform for tonight’s game against Chicago and is eligible for the playoffs because he is a free agent and not a waiver pickup.

“Until they called, I thought it was over with,” Hardaway said. “Don’t even consider it. Don’t even worry about it.”

Hardaway’s agent, Henry Thomas, said he talked with Pacers president Donnie Walsh throughout the season about the possibility of adding the player. Hardaway impressed team officials in a workout earlier this month, but Walsh didn’t want to upset the team’s chemistry.

Injuries, off-court distractions and loses in 15 of the team’s last 19 games changed Walsh’s mind.