Forget Stats, Granger Wants To Improve Win Total

Danny Granger's production has improved each year since he entered the NBA, but after making the All-Star game and earning the league's Most Improved Player award last year he wasn't happy. Now he's only interested in improving the Pacers win total and pushing the franchise back into the playoffs.

Bruno takes a nice look at Granger's goals for the team this year which will rely on 33 emerging as a leader willing to push his teammates on both ends of the floor.

"Whatever Danny does on the court, they'll follow him," said Larry Bird, team president. "If he's got his mindset to play hard defense and get up into people, the rest of the guys will do that."

After the jump, more links with updates on Luther Head, Shawne Williams, Jermaine O'Neal, the Indiana Fever and more.

• Head's 'fresh start' now expanded role with Pacers
  Mike Wells takes a look at Luther Head's timely arrival at the Fieldhouse just as an opportunity to play opened up with Mike Dunleavy sidelined with a knee injury.
• Fever set records, but can't keep up with Mercury
  The Indiana Fever fell short in wild overtime thriller in Phoenix last night. More details on the game here.
• Simon wants to keep Fever in Indianapolis
  Pacers owner, Herb Simon plans to keep the Fever in Indy next year.
• NBA to teams: Replacement refs to start season
  The NBA has told teams on Tuesday that they will start the season with replacement referees.
• Shawne Williams getting Tinsley-ed by Mavs
  The Dallas Mavericksopened camp without Shawne Williams as the team tries to deal him to another team. Any by 'without' I mean Shawne was not in the building or around the team.
• HEAT: O’Neal Finally Healthy, Looks Forward To Season
  Finally! Wait...isn't this type of proclamation from J.O. an annual rite of Fall? Apparently J.O. has re-defined several parts of his game. Bet he wore out a thesaurus. Good luck, J.O.!
• Greg Oden wants to start
  Greg Oden appears healthy and ready to compete for a starting spot in Portland.