Pacers’ Granger upbeat on return from sickbay

MANILA, Philippines – Returning star Danny Granger is set to give the Indiana Pacers a boost, although he himself admits he is still a work in progress.

"I'm not 100 percent yet. I'm almost there getting back into game shape, but it feels good to be playing back again," said Granger, who suffered a Patellar Tendinosis on his left knee that forced him to miss all but five games of last season.

Granger along with other members of the Indiana Pacers graced a press conference at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday, one day prior to their historic preseason match against the Houston Rockets as part of the NBA Global Games.

The Pacers big man said being sidelined had likewise been a learning experience for him.

"I missed most of last season, but you learn a lot sitting on the bench. It was interesting to see what my teammates did and the accomplishments that they achieved," he added.

Granger also harped about the prospect of playing under the legendary Larry Bird, the Pacers’ current president of basketball operations.

"The experience you get for playing under Larry (Bird) is a really invaluable. He is an NBA legend. He's won multiple championships. His presence alone kind of rubs off on all of us," said Granger.

"He gives us input on what we're doing right and what we're doing wrong, and we take it to heart because we know how important it is coming from a person of his status," he added.

Granger said they’re expected to improved as the preseason rolls by.

"It's our second preseason game. We're still working out the kinks and the details we want to do on the offensive and defensive end," he also stated.

"We play hard every night and we're coming out to win. Houston has a new team trying to get acclimated with each other it should be fun," Granger added.

Granger will return to a well-established squad that stretched the eventual champions Miami Heat to the tilt in a thrilling seven-game series. And he is upbeat on what he can contribute to the squad.

"The role I'll play after my injury is the role I've always played with the Pacers for nine years. I to score the ball and that is what I'll do," Granger said confidently. "It doesn't matter to me if I play off the bench I can be the 12th man. I don’t even need to play I will always give my best."

The New Mexico product believes the Pacers have the necessary tools to make a run at the championship this season.

"We are very much ready to take the next step. We have the talent and experience. It's just a matter of putting it all together getting to our final goal in winning a championship," said Granger.