T.J. Ford is back to where he ended last season: on the bench serving as the backup. Ford will continue to back up starter Earl Watson for the foreseeable future.

“It’s tough,” Ford said. “The season definitely hasn’t gone the way I thought it would.”

Ford is on pace to average a career low in assists this season. He went into Monday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks 45th in the league in assists at 3.6 a game. What makes that more disturbing is that he’s averaging more than two turnovers a game and is 1-of-28 on 3-pointers after going 0-of-3 Monday night.

“I think T.J. is a very professional guy and he gives it his all whether he’s starting or coming off the bench,” Pacers coach Jim O’Brien said. “I do need to have scoring off the bench and he’s one of our key scorers. Bottom line is, it’s not who starts, it’s who finishes, and he’s a key for us.”

Ford’s problem continues to be grasping O’Brien’s offensive system.

O’Brien wants constant ball movement. Ford prefers to dominate the ball, which can frustrate teammates because it slows the offense.

“I don’t think I’m feeling the game out and letting the game come to me,” Ford said. “I think my whole mentality is to be aggressive. They didn’t want me to be so aggressive. I tried to channel it down, but it didn’t work.”

“It’s more of a come down and pass it scenario. That’s not the style where I’m effective as far as passing. I’ve got to go back to doing what I know how to do best, and that’s attacking.”

The Pacers hope Ford will excel off the bench as he did at the end of last season when he backed up Jarrett Jack. Ford will be part of a second unit that includes Brandon Rush and Tyler Hansbrough.

“It’s all about making the best out of the situation,” Ford said. “I’ve said it all year: It’s not about confidence. My confidence has always been high. It’s just a matter of me going out and playing. I’m not worried about what people say or think. I know what I’m capable of doing.”