Keller’s aching back keeping him down

Billy Keller went for a walk to his mailbox on Wednesday. It hurt worse than bumping knees with Louie Dampier.

Keller, who played seven ABA seasons for the Pacers and is now their shooting coach, injured his back in November when he tried to clear water off his pontoon boat covering. He has pinched nerves in three areas, and will have surgery on Dec. 20.

Exercises suggested by former trainer David Craig have helped, but he’s still in too much pain to go to the fieldhouse for practices and games.

“Over all the years I played, I never had more pain than this,” Keller said. “I’ve had a hip replacement and knee surgery, but this is the worst. When I try to walk I still have pain going down my leg.”

Keller won’t be able to return to practice for at least a couple of weeks after his surgery, making a January return the likeliest scenario.