"We can play with anybody"

[MyFavMartin]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081031/SPORTS04/810310507/1004/SPORTS

Indystar.com

Pacers' Granger: We can play with anybody
By Jeff Rabjohns
Posted: October 31, 2008


Forward Danny Granger feels the Indiana Pacers are ready for the challenge of facing defending NBA champion Boston Celtics.

Led by Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, the Celtics come to town for the Pacers' home opener at 7 p.m. Saturday at Conseco Fieldhouse.
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It'll be the second game for the Pacers, who fell 100-94 Wednesday in Detroit to a Pistons team that has played in six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals.

"It's tough, but it's a challenge we are definitely look forward to," Granger, who scored 33 points against the Pistons, said after today's practice. "We let the Detroit game get away from us.

"Against Boston, we have a good chance of winning the game. They're the world champions, but we feel we can play with anybody."

The Pacers played well in Detroit and likely would have won if not for 22 turnovers.

Granger said after practice he did know whether or not he would get a contract extension. Today is the deadline for the Pacers to give Granger up to a five-year extension.

If no deal is reached, the 6-8 forward in his fourth year in the NBA will be a restricted free agent at the end of the year, which means the Pacers can match any offer he receives from another team.

"Maybe it happens, maybe it won't," he said of the extension.

The Pacers have maintained they'd like to keep Granger long term, and both sides have said there has been no acrimony during the negotiations.

[Hicks]

Re: "We can play with anybody"

I like that we have a bit of bravado. Just don't let it become arrogance.

[CableKC]

Re: "We can play with anybody"

I agree.....but I think that Granger is doing and saying the things that he should be saying as a Leader on this team.

[rexnom]

Re: "We can play with anybody"

"It's tough, but it's a challenge we are definitely look forward to," Granger, who scored 33 points against the Pistons, said after today's practice. "We let the Detroit game get away from us."

What part of that do you not love?

[MyFavMartin]

Re: "We can play with anybody"

I like the confidence too, but does Boston use this as bulletin board material?

[bellisimo]

Re: "We can play with anybody"

I like the confidence too, but does Boston use this as bulletin board material?

doubt they need bulletin board material....they should just look at their hands for the championship ring and want more

[BlueNGold]

Re: "We can play with anybody"

I like the confidence too, but does Boston use this as bulletin board material?

If you were the Celtics, would you care what one of the Pacers had to say? They are the world champions and are probably laughing about it.

Yes, as a team leader, Danny needs to talk a little bit and show some confidence in himself and the team. ...and the man deserves to say something after lighting up Detroit for 33.

[McKeyFan]

Re: "We can play with anybody"

Can't imagine Boston pays any attention at all.

I think Granger's comments are spot on. Any leader worth his salt is going to say the team has a chance to win.

[jeffg-body]

Re: "We can play with anybody"

I love the confidence that Danny is starting to blossom out. I think he is right as well. If the Pacers play to their capabilities, they should be able to hang with whatever team they face.

[Trader Joe]

Re: "We can play with anybody"

Why would this be bulletin board material?

It's not like he says the Celtics suck or that they are overrated. He just says he feels like the Pacers can play with anyone.

[MillerTime]

Re: "We can play with anybody"

Its good to see that Granger is confident in the team we have and this kind of shows him taking that leadership step

[Naptown_Seth]

Re: "We can play with anybody"

I like that we have a bit of bravado. Just don't let it become arrogance.

Don't worry, 4-10 will take care of that, although I hope it doesn't go that way. I'd rather see them resilient based on the idea that losses now aren't stopping their goal of improvement toward the future. Don't count on wins to support your effort, count on improved basketball and let the W-L fall how they may.

[BlueNGold]

Re: "We can play with anybody"

What I like about this team is, they are not the type to ever give up. That might not mean they go .500, but it will be worth a solid 5 games this season.

[bellisimo]

Re: "We can play with anybody"

hey I can also play with anybody...and most likely will end up with a blowout loss...but I can still play...as long as they want to...

[Guest]

Re: "We can play with anybody"

^lol...