Pacers are new, hope to be improved
Jermaine O'Neal was traded to Toronto in the offseason. The Pacers have said Jamaal Tinsley will not play for them again after his on-court antics and off-court problems damaged their reputation. Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson have been gone for a while now, traded in the Pacers' effort to rid themselves of malcontents.
Jeff Foster and Austin Croshere are the only players left from the team involved in the brawl with Detroit Pistons fans in 2004, and Croshere was a recent addition who is not promised a spot on the team. After two draft-day moves and the Croshere pickup, eight new players showed up for Media Day. The Pacers hope the changes help the franchise start winning again, project a more wholesome image and improve last season's league-worst attendance.
"Whole new ballgame this go-round," coach Jim O'Brien said. "We're virtually starting with half the team that is new, and very positive additions to our basketball team and our franchise."
Team president Larry Bird got busy after the team went 36-46 and missed the playoffs last season. The Pacers had one of the best offenses and worst defenses in league last season, prompting Bird to add speed at the guard spots and size in the post.
O'Brien knows Granger can score. Now, he wants to see him become a dominant defensive player.
"I would hope he impacts it from a leadership standpoint at the defensive end more than any other area," he said.
Mike Dunleavy is coming off a breakout season. The shooting guard averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game last season and he believes he can be better this year.
O'Brien applauded Granger and Dunleavy for their production last season, but said gaudy statistics won't matter if the Pacers miss the playoffs again.
"Danny and Mike put up big numbers, but everybody in the league will say people don't pay attention to big numbers if they come on a mediocre basketball team."
Granger said he knows the Pacers are an afterthought without the big names from the past.
"We've got a big opportunity in front of us," he said. "A lot of people are not expecting much from us. Sometimes, that's a good thing."
The key pickup was point guard T.J. Ford, who likely will replace Tinsley, who remains on the roster but isn't expected to play. Ford averaged 12.1 points and 6.1 assists per game for the Raptors last season before coming to the Pacers in the O'Neal trade.
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