A checklist of things to handle before talking about the "P" word

THE 'BURBS - Will the Pacers make the playoffs this season? That's a question I get a lot from people these days. My line to them is, "Anything can happen in the Eastern Conference." Will they make the playoffs? I'm not convinced it'll happen this season despite acquiring point guard Darren Collison. A lot, I mean a whole lot, has to happen for the Pacers to make the playoffs. 1. Danny Granger has to use his lack of playing time with Team USA as a wake-up call for what he needs to do to take his game to another level. Defense, defense, defense. The Pacers organization (coach Jim O'Brien) also has to put an emphasis on Granger to play defense, too, and not allow him to just focus on offense because he excels in that area. Granger still deserves props for being part of Team USA and winning a Gold medal. 2. Find a power forward As one opposing coach said recently, "I don't know how Jim is going to get by without (Troy) Murphy since he&...