Pacers' Granger sees less action in World Basketball Championship

Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger's gold medal with Team USA in the World Championship earlier this month came with a significant sacrifice.

Playing time.

Granger went from averaging at least 32 minutes each of the past four seasons with the Pacers to being on the end of the bench with Team USA.

Granger averaged 4.1 points (second fewest on the team) and 9.7 minutes (third fewest). He played in only seven of the nine games in Turkey.

"It was a little difficult, but when you put a team together to go win the gold in international basketball, I think you have to go with the advantage, and that was the athleticism of our guards and pressing the ball," Granger said.

"Coach (Mike Krzyzewski) is a great coach. I talked to him about it and as long as we were winning, I was happy."

Krzyzewski put a heavy emphasis on defense, which left Granger stuck behind Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala and Rudy Gay in the rotation. Defense used to be a priority for Granger, but he has let his offense dictate his play the past three years.

The Pacers need Granger to make a commitment to defense again if they expect to become better in that area.

"I can be a good defensive player," he said. "Am I a better defensive player than Andre? I don't know. We won the gold and that's all that mattered. I'd go back again if I was asked because it was a wonderful experience."

Forward Tyler Hansbrough will visit with his doctor today to see if he can be cleared to take part in contact drills.

Hansbrough has been dealing with an inner ear infection/concussion/vertigo for nearly nine months.

"It would be disappointing (if I wasn't cleared), but at the same time, I feel like I'm right around the corner," he said. "I'm extremely optimistic. I feel like it's one of those things where you look at it as bad timing and bad luck. Once I get past this, I will have a much fresher start."